2023 PACT Webinars
The webinars are part of the Pesticide Applicator Certification and Training (PACT) series. The goal of PACT is to improve implementation of the Certification of Pesticide Applicators Rule (40CFR171) and the Agricultural Worker Protection Standard Revision (40CFR170) by state and tribal pesticide programs. For more information on the PACT meeting visit pactmeeting.us. This project has been funded wholly or in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under assistance agreement X8-83927401 to Michigan State University. Migrant Clinicians Network (MCN) and the National Pesticide Safety Education Center (NPSEC) are sub-awardees on the grant.
Webinar Series
PACT Webinar 1: 09/28/22
09/28/2022 PACT Webinar 1: Pollinators on Energy and Transportation lands | Using IVM to Create and Maintain Habitat
Join us September 28th, 2022 at 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Eastern Time for a webinar on Pollinators on Energy and Transportation lands | Using IVM to Create and Maintain Habitat. Presented by Caroline Hernandez, Matt Kraushar, Jennifer Weisbrod, & Lewis H. Payne. Click HERE to learn more about this webinar, it’s presenters, and to register.
CTAG Webinar 1: 11/18/22
11/18/2022 CTAG Webinar 1: Antimicrobial Pesticides
11/18/22 – 9AM PST / 10AM MST / 12PM EST – Antimicrobial Pesticides presented by Gurinderbir Chahal. Intended audience: PSEPs and SLAs that are involved in manual development and sales. Pre-register Here
Gurinderbir Chahal
Gurinderbir Chahal is working as Supervisor of Licensing and Certification unit at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). He has more than 25 years of experience in different fields of Agriculture (Agronomy, Soil Science, and Pesticide Science). In his professional career in academia (Purdue University), private sector (FMC), and public sector (MDA), he gained more than 15 years of experience in Pesticide Science, Pesticide Regulations, and Crop Protection Products.
In his current role with Minnesota Department of Agriculture, he implements and enforces the existing Certification and Training rule. Currently, G is working on revised C&T rule. He has his BS in Agronomy, MS in Soils from India, and PhD in Weed Science from North Carolina State University.
CTAG Webinar 2: 12/02/22
12/02/2022 CTAG Webinar 2: Wood Preservatives
12/02/22 – 9AM PST / 10AM MST / 12PM EST – Wood Preservatives presented by Lindsey House. Intended audience: PSEPs and SLAs that are involved in manual development and sales. Pre-register Here
Lindsey House
Lindsey is the lead Licensing and Recertification Specialist with the Washington State Department of Agriculture. She has been with WSDA since February of 2014 and has enjoyed seeing the licensing program grow over the years. Lindsey leads exam development, review, and revision for Washington State. She is determined to create exams with integrity that are fair, straightforward, and an accurate measure of a tester’s competency. Prior to her work with WSDA, Lindsey graduated from Washington State University with her bachelor’s degree in Entomology.
Lindsey is currently serving as CTAG co-chair as well as facilitator for CTAG’s Webinar and Internet Recertification Collaboration Team. She is excited to be a part of efforts to reduce burden on individual states by encouraging sharing of ideas and resources.
CTAG Webinar 3: 12/09/22
12/09/2022 CTAG Webinar 3: Ornamental & Turf Pest Control
12/09/22 – 9AM PST / 10AM MST / 12PM EST – Ornamental & Turf Pest Control presented by Linda Johns. Intended audience: PSEPs and SLAs that are involved in manual development and sales. Pre-register Here
Linda Johns
Linda Johns is the Associate Director for the Pesticide Safety and Environmental Education Program, University of Minnesota Extension. Her previous position was as a Program Manager at the Montana Department of Agriculture where she ensured that pesticides were available to producers and homeowners alike while still making sure that they do not pose any unreasonable adverse effects on human health or the environment. Linda is a graduate of Montana State University where she received a BA in the Science of Horticulture and Landscape Design and the University of Nebraska where she received a MA in the Science of Entomology.
Linda started her professional career over twenty years ago working in the horticultural industry as a plant specialist and landscape designer. She has since moved on to expanding her sciences background into the field of pesticide regulation where she managed the pesticides sold and used within the state of
Montana. Linda has been involved with several local and national associations, was President of the Association of Structural Pest Control Regulatory Officials (ASPCRO) and is currently co-Chair for Certification Training Assessment Group (CTAG) and board member of the National Pesticide Safety Education Center (NPSEC). Linda has made State and national presentations for professional groups throughout her career and has been a reviewer, writer and contributor to numerous publications and pesticide applicator study manuals.
Linda is a native to Montana where she became an enthusiastic gardener who believes that all plants and insects have a purpose, even if it is to annoy you. She currently resides in Blaine, MN with her husband Alan, their multiple pets, and when available, their children and grandchildren.
CTAG Webinar 4: 12/09/22
12/09/2022 CTAG Webinar 4: Interior Plantscapes
12/09/22 – 9AM PST / 10AM MST / 12PM EST – Interior Plantscapes presented by Lindsey House. Intended audience: PSEPs and SLAs that are involved in manual development and sales. Pre-register Here
Lindsey House
Lindsey is the lead Licensing and Recertification Specialist with the Washington State Department of Agriculture. She has been with WSDA since February of 2014 and has enjoyed seeing the licensing program grow over the years. Lindsey leads exam development, review, and revision for Washington State. She is determined to create exams with integrity that are fair, straightforward, and an accurate measure of a tester’s competency. Prior to her work with WSDA, Lindsey graduated from Washington State University with her bachelor’s degree in Entomology.
Lindsey is currently serving as CTAG co-chair as well as facilitator for CTAG’s Webinar and Internet Recertification Collaboration Team. She is excited to be a part of efforts to reduce burden on individual states by encouraging sharing of ideas and resources.
CTAG Webinar 5: 12/16/22
12/16/2022 CTAG Webinar 5: Marine Antifouling
12/16/22 – 9AM PST / 10AM MST / 12PM EST – Marine Antifouling presented by Amanda Couture. Intended audience: PSEPs and SLAs that are involved in manual development and sales. Pre-register Here
Amanda Couture
Amanda Couture works as the Certification and Licensing Specialist for the Maine Board of Pesticides Control. Her current role involves working with the University of Maine PSEP professional on training manual and exam development and revisions. She also oversees the Maine Board of Pesticides Control’s exam, registration, and licensing software solution. She has been with the Board of Pesticides Control since 2015 and began her work there as an inspector. Before her work with Maine BPC Amanda graduated from the University of Maine with a bachelor’s degree in Biology.
CTAG Webinar 6: 12/16/22
12/16/2022 CTAG Webinar 6: Sewer Root Control
12/16/22 – 9AM PST / 10AM MST / 12PM EST – Sewer Root Control presented by Gurinderbir Chahal. Intended audience: PSEPs and SLAs that are involved in manual development and sales. Pre-register Here
Gurinderbir Chahal
Gurinderbir Chahal is working as Supervisor of Licensing and Certification unit at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). He has more than 25 years of experience in different fields of Agriculture (Agronomy, Soil Science, and Pesticide Science). In his professional career in academia (Purdue University), private sector (FMC), and public sector (MDA), he gained more than 15 years of experience in Pesticide Science, Pesticide Regulations, and Crop Protection Products.
In his current role with Minnesota Department of Agriculture, he implements and enforces the existing Certification and Training rule. Currently, G is working on revised C&T rule. He has his BS in Agronomy, MS in Soils from India, and PhD in Weed Science from North Carolina State University.
CTAG Webinar 7: 01/06/23
01/06/2023 CTAG Webinar 7: Right-of Way Pest Control
01/06/23- 9AM PST / 10AM MST / 12PM EST – Right-of Way Pest Control presented by Neal Kittelson. Intended audience: PSEPs and SLAs that are involved in manual development and sales. Pre-register Here
Neal Kittelson
Neal Kittelson is the Pesticide Certification and Training Program Manager/WPS Coordinator for the Colorado Department of Agriculture. He was previously a Private Applicator inspector for CDA working in the Denver Metro area and northeast Colorado. Prior to working for CDA, he worked on noxious weeds in Arizona, and in Forest Health and Urban Forestry in Idaho and Washington. He has his PhD in Entomology from Washington State University and a BA in Biology from the University of MN, Morris.
CTAG Webinar 8: 01/13/23
01/13/2023 CTAG Webinar 8: Demonstration & Research Pest Control
01/13/23- 9AM PST / 10AM MST / 12PM EST – Demonstration & Research Pest Control presented by Neal Kittelson. Intended audience: PSEPs and SLAs that are involved in manual development and sales. Pre-register Here
Neal Kittelson
Neal Kittelson is the Pesticide Certification and Training Program Manager/WPS Coordinator for the Colorado Department of Agriculture. He was previously a Private Applicator inspector for CDA working in the Denver Metro area and northeast Colorado. Prior to working for CDA, he worked on noxious weeds in Arizona, and in Forest Health and Urban Forestry in Idaho and Washington. He has his PhD in Entomology from Washington State University and a BA in Biology from the University of MN, Morris.
CTAG Webinar 9: 01/20/23
01/20/2023 CTAG Webinar 9: Industrial, Institutional, & Structural Pest Control
01/20/23- 9AM PST / 10AM MST / 12PM EST – Industrial, Institutional, & Structural Pest Control presented by Kaci Buhl. Intended audience: PSEPs and SLAs that are involved in manual development and sales. Pre-register Here
Kaci Buhl
At the state level, Kaci leads the Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP). The program hosts live recertification events around the state, serving over 1,000 licensed pesticide applicators each year. We also produce web-based training modules and license-preparation study manuals. Special training for unlicensed pesticide applicators is also available through a grant from the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The PSEP at OSU works closely with the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s Pesticides Division.
At the national level, Kaci is the co-direct to the Pesticide Educational Resources Collaborative (PERC). This program administers $1,000,000 annually in support of new pesticide-related educational materials. Thanks to this collaboration with Suzanne Forsyth at UC Davis (Continuing & Professional Education) and funding from the US EPA, Kaci has been proud to co-author a nationally-adopted worker safety poster, a handbook for agricultural employers, and a respiratory protection guide. All of these have been translated into Spanish.
Kaci is also involved in projects that:
- advance education for medical professionals, promoting the recognition and management of pesticide poisonings
- promote alternatives to pesticides in residential areas, using a mobile-friendly website
- serve the nation with science-based information about pesticides over the phone, online, and on YouTube.
Kaci’s program areas bring public health to agriculture and natural resources. Kaci often looks for student interns who are interested in occupational/environmental health.
PACT Webinar 2: 01/24/23
01/24/23 PACT Webinar 2: Pesticide Safety for Pollinators
01/24/23- 11AM PST / 1PM CST / 2PM EST – Pesticide Safety for Pollinators presented by Allison Johnson. Pre-register Here
This session will describe pesticide exposure pathways of pollinators in urban landscapes, focusing on honeybees established in neighborhoods, rooftops and other similar areas. We will explore practical solutions to minimize pesticide exposure to pollinators and IPM practices to promote overall pollinator health. This session is intended for backyard beekeepers passionate about pesticide stewardship and residents interested in pollinator conservation.
Esta sesión describirá las vías de exposición a pesticidas de los polinizadores en paisajes urbanos, centrándose en las abejas melíferas establecidas en vecindarios, azoteas y otras áreas similares. Exploraremos soluciones prácticas para minimizar la exposición a pesticidas de los polinizadores y prácticas de IPM para promover la salud general de los polinizadores. Esta sesión está destinada a los apicultores de traspatio apasionados por la administración de pesticidas y a los residentes interesados en la conservación de los polinizadores.
Allison Johnson
Allison Johnson is the new PSEP Coordinator for the University of Georgia. She recently graduated with a PhD in Entomology and has been working to establish and expand a pollinator protection initiative in the University of Georgia’s pesticide safety education program. Her grandfather was a farmer in rural Michigan and inspired her passion for education anyone who is interested in pesticide stewardship practices.
Allison Johnson es la nueva coordinadora de PSEP de la Universidad de Georgia. Recientemente se graduó con un doctorado en entomología y ha estado trabajando para establecer y expandir una iniciativa de protección de polinizadores en el programa de educación sobre seguridad de pesticidas de la Universidad de Georgia. Su abuelo era agricultor en la zona rural de Michigan e inspiró su pasión por la educación de cualquier persona interesada en las prácticas de administración de pesticidas.
CTAG Webinar 10: 01/27/23
01/27/2023 CTAG Webinar 10: Regulatory Pest Control
01/27/23- 9AM PST / 10AM MST / 12PM EST – Regulatory Pest Control presented by Amanda Couture. Intended audience: PSEPs and SLAs that are involved in manual development and sales. Pre-register Here
Amanda Couture
Amanda Couture works as the Certification and Licensing Specialist for the Maine Board of Pesticides Control. Her current role involves working with the University of Maine PSEP professional on training manual and exam development and revisions. She also oversees the Maine Board of Pesticides Control’s exam, registration, and licensing software solution. She has been with the Board of Pesticides Control since 2015 and began her work there as an inspector. Before her work with Maine BPC Amanda graduated from the University of Maine with a bachelor’s degree in Biology.
CTAG Webinar 11: 02/03/23
02/03/2023 CTAG Webinar 11: Agricultural Livestock Pest Control
02/03/23- 9AM PST / 10AM MST / 12PM EST – Agricultural Livestock Pest Control presented by John Feagans. Intended audience: PSEPs and SLAs that are involved in manual development and sales. Pre-register Here
John Feagans
John Feagans has worked with the Certification & Licensing section of the Structural Pest Control & Pesticides Division since 2011. John spent the 30 yrs prior to coming to NCDA&CS as a business owner in the Landscaping industry and has been a licensed NC Pesticide applicator since 1988.
John is a graduate of NCSU with a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture: Landscape Design. John currently manages the Certification & Licensing units for both the Pesticide and Structural Sections. John and his team, process all new/renewed licenses; develop, review and revise applicator licensing exams; review and approve recertification courses and for the past 5 years he has spearheaded the State Certification plan revisions including all presentations the Pesticide Board or Structural Committee regarded the numerous regulation changes that required their approval.
John served as co-Chair for the Certification, Training Assessment Group (CTAG), was a board member with American Association of Pesticide Safety Educators (AAPSE) and is currently serving on the Pesticide Safety Education Advisory Committee with his colleagues from NCSU.
John is a native of North Carolina and when he’s away from work spends all of his time with family or on the water Bass fishing.
CTAG Webinar 12: 02/10/23
02/10/2023 CTAG Webinar 12: Natural Areas
02/10/23- 9AM PST / 10AM MST / 12PM EST – Natural Areas (herbicide use to protect natural communities of conservation and recreation) presented by Brett Bultemeier. Intended audience: PSEPs and SLAs that are involved in manual development and sales. Pre-register Here
Brett Bultemeier
Brett Bultemeier is the extension assistant professor in the Pesticide Information Office at the University of Florida. He has over 20 years of working with and around pesticides. Over these 20 years he has worked in the field as an applicator, did a graduate program focused on pesticide usage in aquatic plant management, and spent over 8 years working in private industry before returning to UF.
As part of the Pesticide Information Office Brett is tasked with overseeing pesticide testing, coordinating recertification curriculum and efforts, and overall developing a focus on pesticide safety throughout the state. He began this role in November of 2019.
Brett has his BS in Biology and Environmental Studies from Manchester University, and a MS and PhD in Agronomy from UF.
CTAG Webinar 13: 02/17/23
02/17/2023 CTAG Webinar 13: Sodium Cyanide Predator Control
02/17/23- 9AM PST / 10AM MST / 12PM EST – Sodium Cyanide Predator Control presented by Stephen Vantassel. Intended audience: PSEPs and SLAs that are involved in manual development and sales. Pre-register Here
Linda Johns
Linda Johns is the Associate Director for the Pesticide Safety and Environmental Education Program, University of Minnesota Extension. Her previous position was as a Program Manager at the Montana Department of Agriculture where she ensured that pesticides were available to producers and homeowners alike while still making sure that they do not pose any unreasonable adverse effects on human health or the environment. Linda is a graduate of Montana State University where she received a BA in the Science of Horticulture and Landscape Design and the University of Nebraska where she received a MA in the Science of Entomology.
Linda started her professional career over twenty years ago working in the horticultural industry as a plant specialist and landscape designer. She has since moved on to expanding her sciences background into the field of pesticide regulation where she managed the pesticides sold and used within the state of
Montana. Linda has been involved with several local and national associations, was President of the Association of Structural Pest Control Regulatory Officials (ASPCRO) and is currently co-Chair for Certification Training Assessment Group (CTAG) and board member of the National Pesticide Safety Education Center (NPSEC). Linda has made State and national presentations for professional groups throughout her career and has been a reviewer, writer and contributor to numerous publications and pesticide applicator study manuals.
Linda is a native to Montana where she became an enthusiastic gardener who believes that all plants and insects have a purpose, even if it is to annoy you. She currently resides in Blaine, MN with her husband Alan, their multiple pets, and when available, their children and grandchildren.
CTAG Webinar 14: 02/17/23
02/17/2023 CTAG Webinar 14: Sodium Fluoroacetate Predator Control
02/17/23- 9AM PST / 10AM MST / 12PM EST – Sodium Fluoroacetate Predator Control pretend by Linda Johns. Intended audience: PSEPs and SLAs that are involved in manual development and sales. Pre-register Here
Stephen Vantassel
Stephen M. Vantassel is the Vertebrate Pest Specialist for the Montana Department of Agriculture (https://agr.mt.gov/Vertebrate-Pests). Stephen began working in the wildlife control industry in the early 1980s when he obtained is license as a Problem Animal Control agent. In the 1994, Stephen founded Wildlife Removal Service, Inc. (sold in 1998) servicing clients in western Massachusetts. Later, he spent 10 years at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln managing the Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management (ICWDM.org). He is a Certified Wildlife Control Professional (CWCPTM) and Associate Certified Entomologist (ACETM). Stephen has published scores of articles and several books on wildlife control. His latest book is a revision of the classic Being Kind to Animal Pests which explains how to use cage/box traps humanely. He is presently revising Dr. Austin Frishman’s book, Vertebrate Pest Handbook. Stephen is based in beautiful, Lewistown, MT, where he loves helping his fellow Montanans resolve vertebrate pest complaints.
CTAG Webinar 15: 02/24/23
02/24/2023 CTAG Webinar 15: Public Health Pest Control
02/24/23- 9AM PST / 10AM MST / 12PM EST – Public Health Pest Control presented by Brett Bultemeier. Intended audience: PSEPs and SLAs that are involved in manual development and sales. Pre-register Here
Brett Bultemeier
Brett Bultemeier is the extension assistant professor in the Pesticide Information Office at the University of Florida. He has over 20 years of working with and around pesticides. Over these 20 years he has worked in the field as an applicator, did a graduate program focused on pesticide usage in aquatic plant management, and spent over 8 years working in private industry before returning to UF.
As part of the Pesticide Information Office Brett is tasked with overseeing pesticide testing, coordinating recertification curriculum and efforts, and overall developing a focus on pesticide safety throughout the state. He began this role in November of 2019.
Brett has his BS in Biology and Environmental Studies from Manchester University, and a MS and PhD in Agronomy from UF.
CTAG Webinar 16: 03/03/23
03/03/2023 CTAG Webinar 16: Forest Pest Control
03/03/23- 9AM PST / 10AM MST / 12PM EST – Forest Pest Control presented by John Feagans. Intended audience: PSEPs and SLAs that are involved in manual development and sales. Pre-register Here
John Feagans
John Feagans has worked with the Certification & Licensing section of the Structural Pest Control & Pesticides Division since 2011. John spent the 30 yrs prior to coming to NCDA&CS as a business owner in the Landscaping industry and has been a licensed NC Pesticide applicator since 1988.
John is a graduate of NCSU with a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture: Landscape Design. John currently manages the Certification & Licensing units for both the Pesticide and Structural Sections. John and his team, process all new/renewed licenses; develop, review and revise applicator licensing exams; review and approve recertification courses and for the past 5 years he has spearheaded the State Certification plan revisions including all presentations the Pesticide Board or Structural Committee regarded the numerous regulation changes that required their approval.
John served as co-Chair for the Certification, Training Assessment Group (CTAG), was a board member with American Association of Pesticide Safety Educators (AAPSE) and is currently serving on the Pesticide Safety Education Advisory Committee with his colleagues from NCSU.
John is a native of North Carolina and when he’s away from work spends all of his time with family or on the water Bass fishing.
CTAG Webinar 17: 03/10/23
03/10/2023 CTAG Webinar 17: Agricultural Plant Pest Control
03/10/23- 9AM PST / 10AM MST / 12PM EST – Agricultural Plant Pest Control presented by Kaci Buhl. Intended audience: PSEPs and SLAs that are involved in manual development and sales. Pre-register Here
Kaci Buhl
At the state level, Kaci leads the Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP). The program hosts live recertification events around the state, serving over 1,000 licensed pesticide applicators each year. We also produce web-based training modules and license-preparation study manuals. Special training for unlicensed pesticide applicators is also available through a grant from the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The PSEP at OSU works closely with the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s Pesticides Division.
At the national level, Kaci is the co-direct to the Pesticide Educational Resources Collaborative (PERC). This program administers $1,000,000 annually in support of new pesticide-related educational materials. Thanks to this collaboration with Suzanne Forsyth at UC Davis (Continuing & Professional Education) and funding from the US EPA, Kaci has been proud to co-author a nationally-adopted worker safety poster, a handbook for agricultural employers, and a respiratory protection guide. All of these have been translated into Spanish.
Kaci is also involved in projects that:
- advance education for medical professionals, promoting the recognition and management of pesticide poisonings
- promote alternatives to pesticides in residential areas, using a mobile-friendly website
- serve the nation with science-based information about pesticides over the phone, online, and on YouTube.
Kaci’s program areas bring public health to agriculture and natural resources. Kaci often looks for student interns who are interested in occupational/environmental health.
CTAG Webinar 18: 03/17/23
03/17/2023 CTAG Webinar 18: Aquatic Pest Control
03/17/23- 9AM PST / 10AM MST / 12PM EST – Aquatic Pest Control presented by Brett Bultemeier. Intended audience: PSEPs and SLAs that are involved in manual development and sales. Pre-register Here
Brett Bultemeier
Brett Bultemeier is the extension assistant professor in the Pesticide Information Office at the University of Florida. He has over 20 years of working with and around pesticides. Over these 20 years he has worked in the field as an applicator, did a graduate program focused on pesticide usage in aquatic plant management, and spent over 8 years working in private industry before returning to UF.
As part of the Pesticide Information Office Brett is tasked with overseeing pesticide testing, coordinating recertification curriculum and efforts, and overall developing a focus on pesticide safety throughout the state. He began this role in November of 2019.
Brett has his BS in Biology and Environmental Studies from Manchester University, and a MS and PhD in Agronomy from UF.
CTAG Webinar 19: 03/24/23
03/24/2023 CTAG Webinar 19: Aerial Manuals
03/24/23- 9AM PST / 10AM MST / 12PM EST – Aerial Manuals. Intended audience: PSEPs and SLAs that are involved in manual development and sales. Pre-register Here
This project has been funded wholly or in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under assistance agreement X8-83927401 to Michigan State University.
Migrant Clinicians Network (MCN) and the National Pesticide Safety Education Center (NPSEC) are sub awardees on the grant