A weedkiller called dicamba has caused a split in otherwise tight-knit farm communities. In Arkansas, where initially there had been tight restrictions over its use, some farmers successfully pushed to expand its use. Yet others claim that the weedkiller may be damaging the habitat of the “Natural State.”
A map showing the location of the White River National Wildlife Refuge
Possible dicamba damage has been found at the Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge, prompting its manager to file a complaint with the state Plant Board. This is a very important piece of land, I just wanted to make sure I lived up to my responsibilities and reported the damage to the Plant Board, Charles Bo Sloan, manager of the 160,000-acre refuge, said. I guess I saw it as a civic duty.
Filed about two weeks ago, Sloan s complaint centers on damage to trees, especially to sycamores, around St. Charles, where the refuge has its headquarters and visitors center, and south to the Ethel community, also in Arkansas County.