Study links pesticide use with decline of U.S.

grassland birds - Saturday, March 23, 2013 | Courier Electronic Edition - Findlay, Ohio: COLUMNS

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Columns Saturday, March 23, 2013

Outdoor Beat

Study links pesticide use with decline of U.S. grassland birds

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Research led by a Canadian toxicologist identifies pesticides as the most likely cause of the widespread decline in grassland birds in the United States. The study of data from 1980 through 2003 was conducted by Pierre Mimeau and published in February in "PLOS One," an online, peer-reviewed journal. Mimeau examined five potential causes of grassland bird declines, besides lethal pesticide risk: change in cropped pasture such as hay or alfalfa production, farming intensity or the proportion of agricultural land that is actively cropped, herbicide use, insecticide use and changes in permanent pasture and rangeland. "Our study put the spotlight on acutely toxic insecticides used in our cropland starting after the Second World War and persisting to this day, albeit at a lower level. The data suggest that loss of birds in agricultural fields is more than an unfortunate consequence of pest control; it may drive bird populations to local extinction," Mineau said. Using data from an American breeding bird survey from 1980 to 2003, the study found that declines of grassland birds were more likely in states with high use of toxic insecticides lethal to birds. The species with the greatest number of declines included the Eastern meadowlark, declining in 33 states; the grasshopper sparrow, 25 states; the horned lark, 25 states; the ring-necked pheasant, 19 states; and the vesper sparrow, 18 states. The states with the greatest number of declining grassland species were Minnesota, with 12; Wisconsin, 11; and Illinois, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska and New York, each with nine species. Habitat protection has long been considered a pillar in efforts to stem the decline of grassland bird species, such as the vesper sparrow, the ring-necked pheasant, and the horned lark. "We are still concerned about loss of habitat in agriculture, range management and urban development," said Cynthia Palmer, manager of the pesticides program at American Bird Conservancy, a leading bird conservation organization. "This study by no means diminishes the importance of habitat fragmentation and degradation. But it suggests that we also need to rein in the use of lethal pesticides in agriculture, and that we need to be especially careful about any new pesticides we introduce into these ecosystems," Palmer said. Along the Way: Rainbow trout, which were raised in state fish hatcheries, are being released through May 3. Area stockings include April 11, Lima Lake, Allen County; April 18, Lamberjack Reservoir, Seneca County; April 19, Schoonover Lake, Allen County; May 3, Giertz Lake, Hancock County.

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http://www.thecourier.com/Opinion/columns/2013/Mar/JA/ar_JA_032313.asp?d=032313,2013,Mar,23[3/23/2013 10:37:53 PM]

Study links pesticide use with decline of U.S. grassland birds - Saturday, March 23, 2013 | Courier Electronic Edition - Findlay, Ohio: COLUMNS "Mayor calls for 'right sizing' government": Ralph The elected official's pay is set by a citizens committee that s appointed by the President of Council and is done before an ele... Read More...
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Some locations feature special angler events, including youth-only fishing, on the day of the scheduled release. Information is available at wildohio.com or by calling 800-WILDLIFE. Step Outside: New bass fishing regulations are in effect. Statewide, a 12-inch minimum length limit has been implemented by the Division of Wildlife on all public waters for largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass where there are no other special regulations. The daily limit of five per day remains in effect for black bass, singly or in combination. Tomorrow: Annual Ham and Trap Shoot. Kitchen opens at 7 a.m., traps at 10 a.m. Breakfast and lunch available. 10 bird shoots, still targets, protections and Annie Oakley. Fostoria United Sportsmen's Club, 1324 N. U.S. 23, Fostoria. Wednesday: Women on Target Shoot, 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m., HCCL, 13748 Jackson 168, Findlay. March 30: National Wild Turkey Federation Banquet, Elks Lodge 83, Upper Sandusky. Contact: 419-294-4869 or buckeyenut@thewavz.com. Abrams is a retired wildlife officer supervisor for the state Division of Wildlife in Findlay. He can be reached at P.O. Box 413, Mount Blanchard, OH 45867-0413 or via email at jimsfieldnotes@aol.com.

TheVoice wrote in article "Mayor: More flood-control details needed": Lose The Corp has thi t l it j t

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http://www.thecourier.com/Opinion/columns/2013/Mar/JA/ar_JA_032313.asp?d=032313,2013,Mar,23[3/23/2013 10:37:53 PM]

Study links pesticide use with decline of U.S. grassland birds - Saturday, March 23, 2013 | Courier Electronic Edition - Findlay, Ohio: COLUMNS frontier add to concerns Pakistani cricket star is election wildcard Rebels enter C. African Republic capital Ex-Pakistani strongman vows return ahead of vote US aids Honduran police despite death squad fears K. Jean Cottam wrote: Pesticide use effect on birds in the United States This situation is most unfortunate and I would be interested in knowing whether a similar effect exists in Ontario. Also, I am wondering whether the Ontario ban on cosmetic use of pesticides had any positive effect on the numbers of urban birds in this province.
Saturday, March 23, 2013 9:34:46 AM

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Ohio News Suit: 2 women assaulted at Browns' Richardson home Bloomberg, mayor group tout big gun control push Votto, Frazier homer, but Rangers beat Reds 6-2 Winning numbers drawn in 'Rolling Cash 5' game Kazmir gives up 13 hits, Indians top Mariners Winning numbers drawn in 'Pick 5 Evening' game Winning numbers drawn in 'Classic Lotto' game Winning numbers drawn in 'Pick 4 Evening' game Winning numbers drawn in 'Pick 3 Evening' game Gibson tops Division III all-tournament team Villa Angela-St. Joseph beats Leipsic, 87-63 Indians 10, Mariners 5 Ohio counties vary in providing defense for poor Notre Dame outlasts Ohio State 3-1 in CCHA semis Michigan upsets Miami (Ohio) 6-2 in CCHA semifinal Rangers 6, Reds 2 Speas pushes Crew to 21 victory at United Teen dies after car runs off OH road into pond Ohio State can reach round of 16 again with win Temple to face Indiana squad with few flaws Home | News | Obituaries | Sports | Family | Weather | Virtual Village | Multimedia | Opinion | Classifieds | Business Directory | Contact Us All contents 1996-2013 The Findlay Publishing Company P.O. Box 609 701 W. Sandusky St. Findlay, OH 45839-0609 Phone: (419) 422-5151 www.findlaypublishing.com Please read our privacy guidelines

http://www.thecourier.com/Opinion/columns/2013/Mar/JA/ar_JA_032313.asp?d=032313,2013,Mar,23[3/23/2013 10:37:53 PM]