CALL TO ACTION!

CALL TO ACTION

No Aerial Spraying of Insecticides of 25,000 Acres in Rio Chama Watershed 

The USDA is planning an aerial spray of 25,000 acres in the Rio Chama Watershed on July 7 to kill native grasshoppers. This has never been done in New Mexico’s delicate, diverse ecosystems. Read more in this SF New Mexican editorial Insecticides from above--Not over the Chama Watershed and article: Critics fear USDA's planned insecticide spray will kill bees, butterflies Pueblos and Tribes have NOT been consulted in the process.  The USDA needs to be transparent and engage the community in a participatory decision making process. Thanks to good organizing from Xerces Society, Terry Sloan, and more, the USDA is now aware of concerns and has pushed the spraying date from June 26 to July 7, 2023 -- but are still planning to go ahead. We need to voice our concerns about the impact of the spraying, as well as the need for transparency in this process and consultation with Pueblos and Tribes.WHO TO CALL AND EMAIL: Pamela Mathis,  Field Manager, Northern BLM OFFICE: Phone: (575) 758-8851 blm_nm_tafo_admin@blm.gov Senator Heinrich: 505-346-6601Senator Lujan: 505-337-7023Rep. Fernandez : 505-428-4680 Rep. Stansbury: 505-346-6781 MESSAGEInsecticides are NOT the answer: The spray area includes a portion of the Rio Chama Wilderness Study Area, including Navajo Peak– a buffer of only 500 ft would be given to campgrounds and recreational areas, even though drift has been found to travel 1000 ft.  EPA has indicated that the insecticide liquid carbaryl is likely carcinogenic to humans.Carbaryl is toxic to wildlife pollinators, monarch butterflies, stoneflies, fish and mammals. Note: The Rio Chama will not be directly sprayed but could be contaminated from drift and/or runoff. Downriver communities, Pueblos and Tribes have NOT been consulted in the process. Grasshoppers are native to Rio Chama and provide numerous benefits–food for wildlife and restoring landscapes as nutrient cyclers.  Thank you for taking action this week to Halt the Spray

Thanks to NM Climate Justice and Anni Hanna for organizing this information and graphics.