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US Forest Service whistleblower fired

Last Update: 10/06/2005
By: Associated Press

ALBUQUERQUE (AP) - A US Forest Service official who voiced concerns about alleged pesticide misuse in forests across the Southwest has been fired. Doug Parker worked as the pesticide coordinator and assistant director of forestry health for the agency's Southwestern region.

Parker has told The Associated Press that he was removed from his duties last week because his supervisor said he failed to follow instructions.

Parker filed a whistleblower complaint earlier this year. He alleged a systemic problem when it comes to proper pesticide use across several forests in New Mexico and Arizona. Parker accused some managers of not preparing environmental risk assessments.

The Forest Service has declined to comment about Parker's case because of pending civil and legal actions.