Pesticide Impact Assessment Program (FS-PIAP)

History

FS-PIAP started as one element of the National Agricultural Pesticide Impact Assessment Program (NAPIAP), a USDA-wide effort to develop pesticide use and effects data, and to fill data gaps in support of EPA registrations. When NAPIAP was disbanded in 1998 the Forest Service saw a continuing need to develop pesticide use and effects data to support NFS programs and NEPA analysis of forest management projects involving pesticide application.

Mission

The mission of FS-PIAP is to support studies that develop use and effects data for priority forestry pesticides. FS-PIAP studies generate data and findings in support of continued registration by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency of forestry uses for pesticides.

Developing Data

Since 1998, FS-PIAP has adapted to new priorities such as developing data on potential for pesticide effects to Threatened and Endangered species, and efficacy and effects data for pesticide use to control non-native invasive species.

FS-PIAP conducts an annual Request for Study Proposals with a review and award process. Forest Health Protection’s Forest Health Assessment and Applied Sciences Team administers FS-PIAP. The Request for FS-PIAP Proposals is sent to Forest Service Region and Area Directors in August in the combined FHP proposal call letter. FS-PIAP program priorities and eligibility requirements for proposals (on this website) should be used to guide proposal preparers. Any qualified agency/institution may submit a proposal, but it must be approved by a Region/Area FHP Director for consideration by FS-PIAP. An interdisciplinary interagency team of subject matter experts reviews qualified proposals in January and recommends the most highly qualified proposals to FHP Director.

Aerial application. Photo by: Steve Dewey, Utah State University, Bugwood.org