SUMMARY: 



As was stated at the beginning of this report, the terms 

 "environment" and "environmental protection" have become household 

 words and are the subject of conversation by almost all segments 

 of our population. 



We can no longer take for granted that there is an endless 

 supply of clean water and air, that the pesticides used are 

 absolutely safe for all uses, or that we need not be concerned 

 with who does what v.'ith the environment. 



Many agencies of the state work year in and year out to combat 

 the problems involving their agency and the environment. The De- 

 partment of Agriculture and in particular the Division of Plant 

 Pest Control is one such agency. Not only do we actively participate 

 as members of groups such as the Pesticide Board, which sets pesticide 

 use policy within the state, but we are constantly gathering data 

 on the latest developments on the uses of pesticides in order that 

 we may keep the public informed. 



Alternative methods to the uses of pesticides are among the 

 items being debated today and hereto we must be aware of the latest 

 developments in the biological field and be ready to recommend them 

 to a concerned public if they prove useful. 



As the primary responsibility of the Plant Pest Control 

 Division is to prevent the introduction and possible spread of 

 damaging insects and plant organisms throughout the Commonwealth, 

 we must be av;are of, and use the tools available to us in our efforts 



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