MSU Pesticide News - August 1st, 2018
2018 Pest Management Tour Offers Last Chance Credit Opportunities for Private Pesticide Applicators Across Northwestern Montana
Cecil Tharp, MSU Pesticide Education Specialist
The Montana State University (MSU) Pesticide Education Program is offering the Pest Management Tour for pesticide applicators across northwestern Montana, Private Applicator Training (PAT) District 1, from October 2nd – 4th (Figure 1). Private applicators within PAT district 1 should ensure they have attained 6 private applicator credits prior to the January 1st, 2019 deadline to avoid losing their private applicator certification. Applicators can assess their credit information on mtplants.mt.gov by selecting “pesticide programs” and “pesticide license search” prior to entering their license number. Applicators can also contact their MSU Extension county office for license information. Private applicators may opt to attend only a morning or afternoon session for 3 private applicator credits; or both for 6 credits. Commercial applicator credits can be viewed on the last page of the 2018 Pest Management Tour agenda at pesticides.montana.edu by selecting “Pest Management Tour”.
Speakers will deliver presentations on managing rodents, invasive grass management, why pesticides may not work properly, crop insect pest management, effectively utilizing biocontrol agents, understanding the Worker Protection Standard and pollinator protection. Presentations vary by location (see program agenda). Representatives speaking on the tour include Dr. Cecil Tharp (MSU Pesticide Education Specialist), Dr. Jane Mangold (MSU Invasive Plant Specialist), Dr. Kevin Wanner (MSU Crop Insect Pest Specialist), Melissa Maggio (Montana Biocontrol Program Coordinator), Stephen Vantassel (MDA Vertebrate Pest Specialist) and Kima Traynham (MDA District 7 Agent). The tour will cover 6 locations in 3 days:
October 2nd
Kalispell, MT:
Foys Lake Community Center, 100 Foys Canyon Road; Pre-register by September 28th with Flathead County Extension, Pat McGlynn at (406-758-5553; [email protected]) or register online; $25 fee & lunch provided.
Ronan, MT:
Community Center, Pre-register by September 28th with Lake County Extension, Jack Stivers at (406-676-4271; [email protected]) or register online; $3 fee; lunch not provided.
October 3rd
Plain, MT:
Grange Hall; Pre-register by September 28th with Sanders County Extension, Juli Thurston (406-827-6934; [email protected]) or register online; $10 fee; lunch on your own.
Superior, MT:
Mineral County Extension Office, 301 2nd Avenue East; Pre-register by September 28th with Mineral County Extension, Dave Brink (406-822-3545; [email protected]) or register online; $10 fee; lunch on your own.
October 4th
Missoula, MT:
Ruby’s Inn & Conference Center, Pre-register by September 28th with Missoula County Extension, Steffany Rogge (406-258-4211; [email protected]) or register online; $10 fee & lunch provided.
Hamilton, MT:
Art Building, Ravalli County Fairgrounds, 100 Old Corvallis Road; Pre-register by September 28th with Ravalli County Extension Office, Patrick Mangan, (406-375-6611; [email protected]); Free; Lunch on your own.
Further Information
See the detailed program agenda online and select ‘2018 Pest Management Tour’, or contact your local Extension agent for local information. For any other questions contact Cecil Tharp, Pesticide Education Specialist, at the MSU Pesticide Education Program office (406)-994-5067, [email protected].