Only 2,4-D and paraquat are moderately toxic to fish. Common table salt and aspirin are more toxic than most rangeland herbicides. Acute Toxicity of Rangeland Herbicides to Birds, Mammals and Fish. 500 but less than 1,000 ppm. Rangelands are home to many species of wildlife, as are the fencerows, turnrows, borrow ditches, field borders and shelterbelts near pastures.
Wildlife rely on rangelands and pasturelands for food and shelter.
Minimizing the Effects of Herbicides on Wildlife Habitat Because herbicides kill plants and alter the mixture of plant species in the treatment area, broad scale, frequent use of herbicides can harm wildlife habitat. However, if applications are carefully planned and conducted, herbicides can make more forage available for both livestock and wildlife without destroying too much wildlife cover. The minimum widths of untreated strips or blocks will vary with plant species composition, plant densities, herbicide used, topography, the particular requirements of the wildlife species inhabiting the area, and the landowner's goals. In general, untreated brush strips should be at least 50 yards wide, and preferably 100 yards. This pattern creates numerous small blocks of vegetation treated with different herbicide rates ranging from none to heavy.