U.S. Forest Service, timber companies spraying record amounts of glyphosate in California
An investigation by the Center for Investigative Reporting has revealed that glyphosate is being sprayed in California forests at record levels by timber companies and the U.S. Forest Service. Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, kills vegetation that competes with young trees. The weedkiller has been the subject of lawsuits alleging exposure caused cancer. Nate Halverson reports.
The Center for Investigative Reporting has found that the U.S. Forest Service and timber companies in California are using record amounts of glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, to clear vegetation competing with young trees. Glyphosate has been linked to cancer lawsuits, with the World Health Organization labeling it "probably carcinogenic to humans."
Joe Van Meter, owner of the Mill Creek Resort in Lassen National Forest, has evacuated guests and staff twice due to forest fires. When he learned about the Forest Service's plan to use glyphosate for reforestation, he expressed concern over the potential health risks, particularly for children. The Forest Service considers glyphosate a valuable tool, planning to spray it on about 10,000 acres in Lassen National Forest.
However, the agency's safety assessment of glyphosate has been questioned, with critics alleging that it relied on manipulated studies by Monsanto to promote the herbicide's safety. Dr. William Heydens, a former Monsanto toxicologist, admitted to ghostwriting studies to portray glyphosate as non-toxic, which were later cited in the Forest Service's safety report.
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