A spatial analysis of California Red-Legged Frog (CRLF) critical habitats and core areas concluded that there were four types of aquatic habitat vulnerable to the use of pesticides: streams, drainage ditches, natural ponds, and irrigation ponds. Irrigation ponds are constructed for the purpose of providing water to crops grown in the adjacent fields, but they also provide habitat for aquatic organisms. One hundred and ten irrigation ponds were identified in two CRLF core areas that were found to be vulnerable to insecticide applications. Because these ponds are constructed with a berm around the perimeter, potential exposure due to runoff is not possible. Exposure may occur through drift of pesticide applications only. Observed pond dimensions, setback distances to fields, use rates, and a drift exposure model were used to estimate exposure to all identified ponds. A risk assessment was then conducted, and setbacks were determined that would be protective for direct and indirect effects to the CRLF.

Assessing exposure of the California Red-Legged Frog to an insecticide in irrigation pond habitat

244th National Meeting (2012)

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