Comment from Richard Gaskalla

To Whom It May Concern: The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services/Division of Plant Industry (FDACS/DPI) reviewed Federal Register Docket No. APHIS-2012-0064-0001 concerning changes to approved insecticide treatments for the imported fire ant (IFA). FDACS/DPI supports this amendment as immersion of balled-and-burlapped nursery stock in bifenthrin has proven to be a very effective control technique. Our Division scientists reviewed the information included in the Federal Register and the environmental assessment, and it appears that the decision to modify the existing IFA treatment schedule is based upon sound science. We appreciate the opportunity to provide comments on this issue. If we may be of further assistance, feel free to contact me directly. Regards, Richard Gaskalla ---------------------------- Richard Gaskalla Division Director Division of Plant Industry Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Post Office Box 147100 Gainesville, Florida 32614-7100 Phone: (352) 395-4628 richard.gaskalla@freshfromflorida.com