The Endangered Species Act, requires EPA to ensure that registered pesticides do not harm federally listed endangered species. It also requires that species conservation should be done in a way that minimizes impact to agriculture. TDA's Endangered Species Protection Program (ESPP), acknowledged by EPA for its proactive approach, obtains local input about pesticide use and other management practices near endangered species habitat. Public comment to TDA and other state and federal agencies is encouraged. 

TDA staff work with EPA, Texas Parks and Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to manage pesticide use in endangered species habitat.  In some areas of the state, TDA organized regional teams to help identify where suitable habitat occurs and to compile information about land use, crops grown and chemicals typically applied in the immediate vicinity. This information was provided to EPA to incorporate into county-specific bulletins that suggest practices or limitations when using chemicals of concern in sensitive areas.  Check the EPA Endangered Species Bulletins web site to view those currently available from EPA for your county of interest.