APHIS Issues Record of Decision on Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Grasshopper and Mormon Cricket Suppression Program

Washington, D.C. – January 31, 2020. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has issued a record of decision (ROD) on the final environmental impact statement (EIS) for its Grasshopper and Mormon Cricket Suppression Program. APHIS will now implement the preferred alternative described in the EIS. Under the National Environmental Policy Act there is a minimum 30-day waiting period between the time a final EIS is published and the time an agency makes a decision on an action covered by that EIS. That waiting period has ended with no additional comment on the final EIS, allowing this ROD to be published. The EIS addresses technological and scientific advances in grasshopper and Mormon cricket control that have occurred since 2002 and allows for the greatest flexibility to address insect populations, while protecting the human environment.

Grasshoppers and Mormon crickets are a natural component of rangeland ecosystems in the western United States. However, when conditions are favorable, their numbers can reach levels that result in economic and environmental impacts to rangeland and adjacent agriculture crops. APHIS works cooperatively with Federal and State agencies to survey for grasshoppers and Mormon cricket and may treat affected areas upon request from landowners or managers.

For information about APHIS’ grasshopper and Mormon cricket suppression program or to view the final environmental impact statement and Record of Decision, go to http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-health/grasshopper.