NOTICE OF PREPARATION ANNOUNCED, SCOPING SESSIONS SCHEDULED FOR CDFA STATEWIDE PLANT PEST PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT PROGRAM EIR

Focus to include principles of integrated pest management

SACRAMENTO, June 23, 2011 – The California Department of Food and Agriculture, in accordance with CEQA guidelines, is announcing a Notice of Preparation (NOP) for the Statewide Plant Pest Prevention and Management Program Environmental Impact Report (EIR).

The EIR is a crucial step as CDFA carries out its responsibility to protect the state’s food supply and natural resources, upon which Californians and many throughout the nation and world depend. Responding to invasive species such as plant pests and diseases is one of the primary ways that CDFA helps farmers and ranchers maintain a constant, dependable and safe supply of food.

The EIR document will provide an opportunity to analyze the frontline defense of the nation’s food system through the principles of integrated pest management, using the latest science and technology. The final product will include a process to evaluate and include new developments and potential environmental impacts while providing for public participation throughout the pest management process.  

CDFA is announcing public meetings to receive agency and public comments on the scope and content of the EIR. The schedule of scoping meetings is as follows: 

CHICO
July 6th, 2011
5:30-7:30 PM
Chico Municipal Center
421 Main St
Chico, CA 95928

SACRAMENTO
July 7th, 2011
5:30-7:30 PM
Department of Health Care Services and
Department of Public Health building
1500 Capitol Ave
Sacramento, CA 95814

Note – A webinar is available for this meeting – to participate via the webinar, please sign up at: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/926803362

ORANGE COUNTY
July 12th, 2011
5:30-7:30 PM
Irvine Ranch Water District’s Duck Club
3512 Michelson Drive
Irvine, CA 92618

SAN FRANCISCO
July 13th, 2011
5:30-7:30 PM
San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin St.
San Francisco, CA 94102

FRESNO
July 14th, 2011
5:30-7:30 PM
UC Fresno Business Center
5245 N. Backer Ave
Fresno, CA 93740

To review the NOP, to make written comments, or to receive more information about the EIR process, please visit: www.cdfa.ca.gov/go/peir.

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