What is a Pesticide Management Plan designed to protect?

A Pesticide Management Plan is specifically designed to protect groundwater and surface water. The primary goal of such plans is to minimize the movement of pesticides into water bodies, which can lead to contamination of drinking water supplies and harm aquatic ecosystems. These plans establish guidelines for the safe application, storage, and disposal of pesticides, ensuring that practices are in place to reduce runoff and leaching into the water systems. Effective management practices include selecting the right pesticide formulations, proper timing of applications, and utilizing buffering strategies to safeguard nearby water sources from potential pollution.

While urban wildlife habitats, volcanic regions, and marine environments are important ecological areas that also require protection, the focus of a Pesticide Management Plan revolves around safeguarding water resources, which are critical for human health and the overall environment.