MSU Pesticide News - February 10th, 2015
Regional Pesticide Education Training Opportunities Across Montana
Cecil Tharp, MSU Pesticide Education Specialist
The Montana State University Pesticide Education Program is coordinating regional initial pesticide training programs across Montana. These six hour training opportunities are designed for homeowners desiring to learn more about pesticides as well as individuals desiring a private applicator license. A private applicator license allows individuals to apply restricted use pesticides on land they own, rent or lease. Training opportunities are available in Kalispell on March 26th, Bozeman on March 4th, Billings on February 25th and Miles City on February 24th.
Each program will cover many subject areas of interest including integrated pest management, pesticides movement in the environment, pesticide safety and toxicity, pesticide law, calibrating ground spray equipment, understanding the private applicator license, reading and understanding the pesticide product label. Montana State University state specialists speaking at the tour include Dr. Jane Mangold (MSU Rangeland Weed Specialist) at Kalispell and Bozeman; Dr. Kevin Wanner (MSU Cropland Insect Specialist) at Billings and Miles City; and Cecil Tharp (MSU Pesticide Education Specialist) at all locations. Surrounding MSU Extension county agents and Montana Department of Agriculture district officers will also be assisting with many of the presentations.
Cost and Private Applicator Credit Opportunities
The cost is $10 for current private applicators opting to attend only the morning or afternoon sessions for 3 private pesticide recertification credits; or both sessions for 6 credits. Homeowners may attend for $10 if they don’t desire a private applicator license; however they will qualify for a pesticide license by attending the event. The cost for all individuals desiring to qualify for a private applicator license is $25 for the mandatory pesticide education training manuals. A catered lunch will be available for all attendees however pre-registration is mandatory.
When pre-registering please be prepared to indicate if you’re attending as a current private applicator, attendee not desiring a license/credits or an attendee desiring a private applicator license.
Training Dates and Locations
February 24th - Miles City
Miles City Community College, Room 106. To pre-register contact Dara Palmer (406-994-2120; [email protected]). For more information contact Cecil Tharp (contact info below). $10 fee at door; $25 for new private applicators. Cost includes a catered lunch.
February 25th – Billings
Bighorn Resort, 1801 Majestic Lane. Contact Leslie Idstrom (406-256-2828; [email protected]). Contact Cecil Tharp for more information regarding the event (contact info below). $10 fee at door; $25 for new private applicators. Cost includes a catered lunch.
March 4th - Bozeman
Bozeman Public Library, Large Conference Room, 626 East Main Street. To pre-register contact Emily Lockard (Gallatin County Extension; 406-388-3213) or for more information contact Cecil Tharp (contact info below). $10 fee at door; $25 for new private applicators. Cost includes a catered lunch.
March 26th - Kalispell
Health Department Building, Earl Bennett Building, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 1035 1st Avenue West. To pre-register contact Dara Palmer (contact info listed above). For more information contact Cecil Tharp (contact info below). $10 fee at door; $25 for new private applicators. Cost includes a catered lunch.
Further Information
See each detailed program agenda online and select the location of interest. Contact your local Extension agent or Cecil Tharp (406-994-5067; [email protected]) for more information.