2012-80-Minutes for Meeting February 08,2012 Recorded 2/28/2012DESCHUTES COUNTY OFFICIAL
NANCY BLANKENSHIP, COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS' JOURNAL
2012-80
RECORDS
2012-80
CLERK IiJ
01/18/2012 08:35:54 AM
Do not remove this page from original document.
Deschutes County Clerk
Certificate Page
Deschutes County Board of Commissioners
1300 NW Wall St., Bend, OR 97701-1960
(541) 388-6570 - Fax (541) 385-3202 - www.deschutes.org
MINUTES OF BUSINESS MEETING
DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2012
Commissioners' Hearing Room - Administration Building - 1300 NW Wall St., Bend
Present were Commissioners Anthony DeBone, Alan Unger and Tammy Baney.
Also present were Erik Kropp, Interim County Administrator; Rob Poirier, 9-1-1
Service District, Laurie Craghead, County Counsel; Dan Sherwin, Road
Department; Paul Stell, Weed Board member; Joe Studer, County Forester; and
two other citizens.
Chair DeBone opened the meeting at 10:00 a.m.
1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
2. CITIZEN INPUT
None was offered.
3. DEPARTMENT PRESENTATION: 9-1-1 County Service District.
Rob Poirier presented an excellent department-produced video on 9-1-1
emergency services. The Board then discussed the variety of calls dispatched
and workload handled by the department, and expressed thanks to Mr. Poirier
and his staff for what they do.
4. Before the Board was a Public Hearing and Consideration of Signature of
Order No. 2012-011, regarding the Formation of the Deschutes 9-1-1
County Service District.
Minutes of Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Page 1 of 6 Pages
Laurie Craghead said this is the second hearing, as required, regarding the
formation of a new service district; this has to do only with the area within
Deschutes County. (A small area is within Jefferson County, but this will be
addressed later in the year)
All required notices were done and the agencies involved have all indicated this
should go forward, including the 9-1-1 User Board and the Department of
Revenue. No comments have been received from the public.
Chair DeBone said there has been public outreach in a variety of ways.
Chair DeBone opened the public hearing. Being no testimony offered, he then
closed the hearing.
BANEY: Move signature of Order No. 2012-011.
UNGER: Second.
VOTE: BANEY: Yes.
UNGER: Yes.
DEBONE: Chair votes yes.
5. Before the Board was Consideration of Signature of Order No. 2012-009,
Updating the Deschutes County Noxious Weed List.
Paul Stell of the Weed Board and Dan Sherwin, Vegetation Manager, came
before the Board.
Mr. Sherwin explained the problem with some very aggressive noxious weeds
that are creating a problem in many areas, including the Warm Springs
Reservation. Mr. Stell stated that the "A" listing is high priority and need
eradication when found. One of the newer problem weeds takes over land
quickly; and another one is aquatic. This one is a severe problem once
introduced and already is present in some of the lakes in the region. These
kinds of weeds are very difficult to treat, so diligence is required. They also
have to be careful about the types of treatment, especially chemicals.
Commissioner Unger wants awareness of this problem, and having them on the
listing can result in getting help to address the situation. He feels that weeds are
a serious problem, environmentally and economically, and it is important to
support this program and the work being done.
BANEY: Move signature of Order No. 2012-009.
UNGER: Second.
Minutes of Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Page 2 of 6 Pages
VOTE: BANEY: Yes.
UNGER: Yes.
DEBONE: Chair votes yes.
6. Before the Board was Consideration of Chair Signature of Document No.
2012-087, a Notice of Intent to Award Contract Letter regarding the 2012
Qualified Pool of Contractors to Treat Wildland Hazardous Fuels;
Authorize County Forester to Sign Individual Retainer Agreements for
Various Projects.
Erik Kropp said that for four years the County has used this methodology to
treat wildland fuels. The qualified pool of contractors and vendors are selected
to do this work; each one has strengths and they are hired based on their skillset
and equipment that fits each project.
Commissioner Unger said it makes it much easier to get the work done, and the
competitive nature of the process makes it more cost-effective. Commissioner
Baney said the process started out a little bumpy, but everyone seems to be
satisfied with how things are going. Most of this work is funded through state
and federal grants.
Joe Studer noted that funding comes through stimulus grants and the Oregon
Department of Forestry grant.
UNGER: Move Chair signature of Document No. 2012-087.
BANEY: Second.
VOTE: BANEY:
UNGER:
DEBONE
Yes.
Yes.
Chair votes yes.
Before the Board was Consideration of Approval of the Consent Agenda.
UNGER: Move approval.
BANEY: Second.
VOTE: BANEY: Yes.
UNGER: Yes.
DEBONE: Chair votes yes.
Minutes of Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Page 3 of 6 Pages
Consent Agenda Items
7. Signature of Letters Reappointing Brian Russell (through December 31, 2013)
and William Crow (through December 31, 2014) to the Fall River Estates
Special Road District Board
8. Signature of Order No. 2012-010, Declaring Certain Personal Property Surplus
and Authorizing Sale (Sheriff's Office)
9. Approval of Minutes:
Board Meeting of February 1, 2012
Work Sessions of January 30 and February 1, 2012
CONVENED AS THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE 9-1-1 COUNTY
SERVICE DISTRICT
10. Before the Board was a Public Hearing and Consideration of Signature of
Order No. 2012-011, regarding the Formation of the Deschutes 9-1-1
County Service District.
Chair DeBone opened the public hearing. Being no testimony offered, he then
closed the hearing.
BANEY: Move signature of Order No. 2012-011.
UNGER: Second.
VOTE: BANEY: Yes.
UNGER: Yes.
DEBONE: Chair votes yes.
11. Before the Board was Consideration of Approval of Weekly Accounts
Payable Vouchers for the 9-1-1 County Service District in the Amount of
$10,979.42.
BANEY: Move approval, subject to review.
UNGER: Second.
VOTE: BANEY: Yes.
UNGER: Yes.
DEBONE: Chair votes yes.
Minutes of Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Page 4 of 6 Pages
CONVENED AS THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE EXTENSION AND
4-H COUNTY SERVICE DISTRICT
12. Before the Board was Consideration of Signature of Letters regarding the
Extension/4-11 Budget Committee: Thanking Terry Penhollow for his
Service; Correcting the Term of Chris Lawrence to June 30, 2013; and
Appointing Mike Scholerman, through June 30, 2014.
BANEY: Move approval.
LINGER: Second.
VOTE: BANEY: Yes.
UNGER: Yes.
DEBONE: Chair votes yes.
13. Before the Board was Consideration of Approval of Weekly Accounts
Payable Vouchers for the Extension/4-11 County Service District in the
Amount of $53,959.64.
BANEY: Move approval, subject to review.
UNGER: Second.
VOTE: BANEY: Yes.
UNGER: Yes.
DEBONE: Chair votes yes.
RECONVENED AS THE DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF
COMMISSIONERS
14. Before the Board was Consideration of Approval of Weekly Accounts
Payable Vouchers for Deschutes County in the Amount of $302,415.53.
BANEY: Move approval, subject to review.
UNGER: Second.
VOTE: BANEY: Yes.
UNGER: Yes.
DEBONE: Chair votes yes.
Minutes of Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Page 5 of 6 Pages
15. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
Commissioner Baney said that she'd liked to see letters go out on behalf of the
Board thanking those who participated in the County Administrator selection
process; at least the panel members who gave up their time to participate.
Commissioner Unger spoke about Senate Bill 1513, which among other things
works towards enhancing stewardship of water resources, reauthorizing the
ability of irrigation districts and farmers to put water back into the rivers if they
do not need their full allotment any given year.
Being no further items to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at
10:45 a.m.
DATED this Day of~ 2012 for the
Deschutes County Board of Commissioners.
1'~ZI9 a
Anthony DeBone, Chair
ATTEST:
&&~~ &k~J~
Recording Secretary
6441
Alan Unger, Vice Chair
6N
Tammy Baney, Commi Toner
Minutes of Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Page 6 of 6 Pages
Deschutes County Board of Commissioners
1300 NW Wall St., Bend, OR 97701-1960
(541) 388-6570 - Fax (541) 385-3202 - www.deschutes.org
BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA
DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
10:00 A.M., WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2012
Commissioners' Hearing Room - Administration Building - 1300 NW Wall St., Bend
1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
2. CITIZEN INPUT
This is the time provided for individuals wishing to address the Board, at the Board's
discretion, regarding issues that are not already on the agenda. Please complete a sign-up
card (provided), and give the card to the Recording Secretary. Use the microphone and
clearly state your name when the Board calls on you to speak.
PLEASE NOTE: Citizen input regarding matters that are or have been the subject of a public
hearing will NOT be included in the official record of that hearing.
3. DEPARTMENT PRESENTATION: 9-1-1 County Service District - Rob
Poirier
4. PUBLIC HEARING and Consideration of Signature of Order No. 2012-011,
regarding the Formation of the Deschutes 9-1-1 County Service District - Rob
Poirier, 9-1-1; Laurie Craghead, County Counsel
Suggested Actions: Open hearing, take testimony, close hearing.
Move signature of Order No. 2012-011.
5. CONSIDERATION of Signature of Order No. 2012-009, Updating the
Deschutes County Noxious Weed List - Dan Sherwin, Road Department; and
Paul Stell, Weed Advisory Board Chair
Suggested Action: Move signature of Order No. 2012-009.
Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting Agenda Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Page 1 of 6 Pages
6. CONSIDERATION of Chair Signature of Document No. 2012-087, a Notice
of Intent to Award Contract Letter regarding the 2012 Qualified Pool of
Contractors to Treat Wildland Hazardous Fuels; Authorize County Forester to
Sign Individual Retainer Agreements for Various Projects - Joe Studer, County
Forester
Suggested Actions: Move Chair signature of Notice of Intent to Award letter,
and authorize County Forester to sign individual retainer agreements.
CONSENT AGENDA
7. Signature of Letters Reappointing Brian Russell (through December 31, 2013)
and William Crow (through December 31, 2014) to the Fall River Estates
Special Road District Board
8. Signature of Order No. 2012-010, Declaring Certain Personal Property Surplus
and Authorizing Sale (Sheriff s Office)
9. Approval of Minutes:
Board Meeting of February 1, 2012
Work Sessions of January 30 and February 1, 2012
CONVENE AS THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE 9-1-1 COUNTY
SERVICE DISTRICT
10. PUBLIC HEARING and Consideration of Signature of Order No. 2012-011,
regarding the Formation of the Deschutes 9-1-1 County Service District - Rob
Poirier, 9-1-1; Laurie Craghead, County Counsel
Suggested Actions: Open hearing, take testimony, close hearing.
Move signature of Order No. 2012-011.
11. CONSIDERATION of Approval of Weekly Accounts Payable Vouchers for
the 9-1-1 County Service District
Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting Agenda Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Page 2 of 6 Pages
CONVENE AS THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE EXTENSION AND 4-H
COUNTY SERVICE DISTRICT
12. CONSIDERATION of Signature of Letters regarding the Extension/4-H
Budget Committee: Thanking Terry Penhollow for his Service; Correcting the
Term of Chris Lawrence to June 30, 2013; and Appointing Mike Scholerman,
through June 30, 2014
Suggested Action: Move signature of letters.
13. CONSIDERATION of Approval of Weekly Accounts Payable Vouchers for
the Extension/4-H County Service District
RECONVENE AS THE DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF
COMMISSIONERS
14. CONSIDERATION of Approval of Weekly Accounts Payable Vouchers for
Deschutes County
15. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
PLEASE NOTE: At any time during this meeting, an executive session could be called to address
issues relating to ORS 192.660(2) (e), real property negotiations; ORS 192.660(2) (h), litigation;
ORS 192.660(2)(d), labor negotiations; or ORS 192.660(2) (b), personnel issues.
Deschutes County meeting locations are wheelchair accessible.
Deschutes County provides reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.
For deaf, hearing impaired or speech disabled, dial 7-1-1 to access the state transfer relay service for TTY.
Please call (541) 388-6571 regarding alternative formats or for further information.
FUTURE MEETINGS:
(Please note: Meeting dates and times are subject to change. All meetings take place in the Board of
Commissioners' meeting rooms at 1300 NW Wall St., Bend, unless otherwise indicated. If you have questions
regarding a meeting, please call 388-6572)
Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting Agenda Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Page 3 of 6 Pages
Thursday, February 2, Friday, February 3 & Saturday, February 4
All Day County Administrator Interviews
Monday, February 6
3:30 p.m. Public Safety Coordinating Council Meeting
Tuesday, February 7
12 noon Administrative Work Session - could include executive session(s)
Wednesday, February 8
7:30 a.m. Legislative Update - Public Affairs Counsel (conference call)
10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Meeting
1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session - could include executive session(s)
Friday, February 10
2:00 p.m. Judge DeHoog Investiture - Justice Building
Wednesday, February 15
7:30 a.m. Legislative Update - Public Affairs Counsel (conference call)
Monday, February 20
Most County Offices will be closed to observe Presidents' Day
Wednesday, February 22
7:30 a.m. Legislative Update - Public Affairs Counsel (conference call)
10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Meeting
1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session - could include executive session(s)
Monday, February 27
10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Meeting
1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session - could include executive session(s)
Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting Agenda Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Page 4 of 6 Pages
Wednesday, March 7
7:30 a.m. Legislative Update - Public Affairs Counsel (conference call)
10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Meeting
1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session - could include executive session(s)
Thursday, March 8
7:00 a.m. Regular Meeting with the City of Redmond Council, at Redmond City Council
Chambers
Wednesday, March 14
10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Meeting
1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session - could include executive session(s)
Monday, March 19
10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Meeting
1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session - could include executive session(s)
Monday, March 26
10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Meeting
1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session - could include executive session(s)
Wednesday, March 28
10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Meeting
1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session - could include executive session(s)
Monday, April 2
10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Meeting
1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session - could include executive session(s)
Wednesday, April 4
10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Meeting
1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session - could include executive session(s)
Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting Agenda Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Page 5 of 6 Pages
Thursday, April 5
8:00 a.m. Regularly scheduled meeting with the City of Sisters Council, in Sisters
Wednesday, April 11
10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Meeting
1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session - could include executive session(s)
Monday, April 16
10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Meeting
1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session - could include executive session(s)
Monday, April 23
10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Meeting
1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session - could include executive session(s)
Wednesday, April 25
10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Meeting
1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session - could include executive session(s)
Monday, April 30
10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Meeting
1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session - could include executive session(s)
Monday, May 2
10:00 a.m. Board of Commissioners' Meeting
Deschutes County meeting locations are wheelchair accessible.
Deschutes County provides reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.
For deaf, hearing impaired or speech disabled, dial 7-1-1 to access the state transfer relay service for TTY.
Please call (541) 388-6571 regarding alternative formats or for further information.
Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting Agenda Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Page 6 of 6 Pages
Dement Reproduces Poorly
(Archived)
A Idaho
1-10-0
Plant, Soil and Entomological Sciences
208.885.9246, Fax: 208.885.7760
PO Box 442339, Moscow, ID 83844-2339
Ventenata control strategies found for
forage producers
The Situation
Ventenata dubia, commonly referred to as wiregrass,
has become a serious problem for perennial forage
producers in the Pacific Northwest. Ventenata is a
winter annual grass that germinates in the fall, a few
weeks after downy brome (cheatgrass). Pastures and
hayfields that become infested with Ventenata will
have significant yield reductions of 50% or more
within a few growing seasons. Ventenata is not palat-
able to livestock, in part, because it has nearly the
same amount of silica as medusahead wildrye. With
loss of productivity, land condition and land value
declines. Recently, the export market for Timothy hay
was valued at around $350 per ton. However, Timo-
thy hay that contains Ventenata is unsuitable for ex-
port leaving farmers only a local market at about
$150 per ton. Ventenata is difficult to control using
common weed management strategies and has seri-
ously impacted forage producers by reducing forage
yield and quality throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Our Response
A multi-state effort is underway to address Vente-
nata control. Partners include: the Natural Resource
Conservation Service (NRCS); Latah County Soil and
Water Conservation District; Latah and Benewah
County farmers and ranchers; County Weed Superin-
tendents from Asotin and Pend Oreille Counties in
Washington; and Washington State University (WSU)
and University of Idaho (UI) Extension faculty and
specialists. Two publications have been written in-
cluding a WSU extension bulletin and a NRCS Plant
Guide.
Eight Ventenata infested sites were identified and
designated as test plots for herbicide and fertilization
treatments. Field experiments were conducted and
results were shared at 3 conferences, 4 field tours,
v
and through two publications by NRCS and WSU. In
addition, NRCS personnel surveys added to our un-
derstanding of the scope of the problem.
Program Outcomes
Eight experiments showed that the active ingredient
imazapic (5 oz/A product, Plateau or Panoramic) is
effective in the fall just after Ventenata emerges. An-
other chemical, Journey, proved effective at a rate of
13 oz/A. Each of these products reduces growth of
desirable forage grasses in the following spring and
summer but fall growth returns to normal.
In addition, results showed that the chemical Out-
rider at 0.75 to 1 oz/Acre product is effective when
applied in the fall. These herbicides worked well un-
der different management systems. Outrider could be
used in CRP and other non-crop uses only.
Ventenata control in Timothy hay will require addi-
tional research because of potential Timothy injury
from herbicides. Several herbicides show promise
and new options may become available after studies
are conducted in 2010.
University of Idaho, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Idaho counties cooperating.
To enrich education through diversity, the University of Idaho is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educational institution.
IMPACT University of Idaho Extension
In pastures where Ventenata comprises a small component of
the forage area, the pasture should be grazed in summer or
fall to remove standing biomass in order to increase the her-
bicide contact on emerging winter annual grasses.
The Future
A follow-up seed bank study has been initiated to determine
the duration of treatment needed to control Ventenata. In
addition, field studies resulted in the initiation of a decision
support tool for use by farmers and ranchers in managing
Ventenata.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Dr. Timothy S. Prather, Weed Ecology Specialist
Plant, Soil and Entomological Sciences
University of Idaho
PO Box 442339
Moscow, ID 83844-2339
Phone: 208.885.9246
Fax: 208.885.7760
E-mail: tprather@uidaho.edu
Valdasue Steele, Extension Educator
University of Idaho Extension, Nez Perce
Reservation
P.O. Box 365
Lapwai, ID 83540
Phone: 208.621.3514
Fax: 208.843.5452
E-mail: vsteele@uidaho.edu
55-09tprather-ventenata. pub
10/09
Timothy hay without Ventenata.
Timothy hay with Ventenata.
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Plant Guide
VENTENATA
Ventenata dubia (Leers) Coss.
Plant Symbol = VEDU
Contributed by: USDA NRCS Pullman Plant Materials
Center
r
.Y . der f °;Ij
.1 Jl,
Yfr
Scheinost, USDA NRCS Pullman Plant Materials Center
Caution: This plant is weedy and can be invasive.
Alternate Names
W iregrass, North Africa grass, Avena dubia Leers,
Ventenata avenacea Koel.
Uses
Ventenata may be grazed in the early spring, however its
forage value is minimal. Once the panicles begin to
emerge, the stems harden and become unpalatable. There
are no other known uses of this plant.
Consult the PLANTS Web site and your State Department
of Natural Resources for this plant's current status (e.g.
state noxious status).
Description
General: Grass Family (Poaceae). Ventenata is a winter
annual that germinates in the fall when temperatures are
moderate to high (18° - 28° C, or 64° - 82° F) (Northam &
Callihan, 1986). Seed heads are produced May through
June, about one month following annual Bromus species.
The plant has slim, erect culms from 10 to 46 cm (4 to 18
in) tall with microscopic hairs that give the appearance of
being smooth. Seedling leaves are in-rolled or lengthwise
folded and appear very narrow. The inflorescence is an
open panicle, appearing silvery green but rapidly
maturing to a yellowish-tan color. At the end of each
spreading to drooping rachilla are 1-5 spikelets. About 15
- 35 seeds are produced per plant (Lass & Prather, 2007).
Ventenata was named after a professor of botany at Paris,
Pierre Etienne Ventenat, 1757-1805 (Hitchcock &
Cronquist, 1973).
Ventenata is beginning to replace perennial grasses and
forbs along roadsides and in hay, pasture, range and CRP
fields in the western U.S. In addition to having minimal
forage value for livestock or wildlife, ventenata is also
undesirable because its shallow root system may cause the
soil to be more prone to erosion. Over time, decline of
productivity and land value occurs.
Key characteristics: Ventenata can be easily identified in
May - June based on its reddish-black nodes. Its
unusually long ligule (1-8 mm) is another distinguishing
characteristic. By late June - July the plant adopts a shiny
appearance and an open panicle emerges. Once the plant
senesces in July - August, the awns (1 - 2.5 mm in length)
become twisted and bent, which is typical of members of
the Aveneae tribe.
Distribution
Ventenata is native to southern Europe, western Asia and
northern Africa. There are 5 known species of Ventenata,
however only V. dubia has been documented on the North
American continent.
Ventenata was first reported in the U.S. in Washington
state in 1952 (Flora of North America Editorial
Committee, 1993). Currently it is found throughout the
northwestern and northeastern states of the U.S. (WA,
OR, CA, ID, UT, MT, WY, WI, NY, ME) and the
western and eastern provinces of Canada (BC, AB, ON,
QC, NB). In the western U.S., ventenata is beginning to
receive a great deal of attention due to its rate of spread
and difficulty in control.
Adaptation
Ventenata is typically found from near-sea level to mid-
range elevations (10 - 1800 in, or 35 - 6000 ft) and
within moderate precipitation zones (35 - 112 cm/yr, or
14 - 44 in/yr). It is most commonly found on south-
facing hillsides with shallow, rocky, clay or clay-loam
soils. In addition, sites that are inundated in early spring
but dry out by late spring tend to be preferred (Old, 2008).
Vectors
Ventenata is spread primarily as a contaminant of
Kentucky bluegrass, hay and annual crops. In addition,
ventenata is found along roadsides and likely is moved
along the transportation corridors where it has
opportunities to move into surrounding areas. It can also
be spread by humans and animals due to having long
awns.
Control
Few control methods are known for ventenata,
particularly in range and pasture settings. However,
because the seed is thought to be viable for only two or
three years, three to four years of aggressive management
followed by vigilant monitoring may eliminate or
severely reduce an infestation.
Manual and Mechanical Control
Ventenata cannot be mowed during heading; plants will
only bend over or become tangled in the swather (hence
the name wiregrass). If ventenata is mowed once prior to
heading, plants may produce another flush of heads (Lass
& Prather, 2007). Mowing ventenata multiple times
throughout the growing season, however, has proven to be
a successful method of control (Gribble, 2008). Plants
kept at minimal height until soil moisture is unavailable
may be prevented from producing seed.
Fire shows no promise as a control method. Where
wildfires or prescribed fires burned in Oregon, ventenata
populations have flourished (Brummer, 2008; Mafera,
2008). In Idaho, fire suppressed ventenata but tended to
stimulate annual weedy bromes and left an opening for
more ventenata the following year (Lass & Prather, 2007).
Environmental/Cultural Control
Maintaining a healthy stand of perennial vegetation may
help to prevent ventenata invasion. A healthy stand can
be created and maintained with appropriate selection of
plant species, application of proper amount of nutrients,
use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies such
as spot spraying, following a suitable grazing plan, and
good forage management.
Chemical Control
In cropland, severai -herbicides are available and known to
be effective. In hay, pasture, range and CRP fields,
selection of registered herbicides is limited. Ventenata
has shown to be tolerant to glyphosate and sethoxydim
when applied in the spring. Imazapic applied in the fall to
semi-dormant perennial grass stands has been effective,
particularly when ventenata comprises more than 25% of
the vegetative ground cover. One technique that has
shown promise is application of imazapic in the fall
followed by applications of nitrogen fertilizer in the
spring and fall of the next year. Fertilizer can help
perennial grasses recover from herbicide damage and be
more competitive.
Contact your local agricultural extension specialist or
county weed specialist to learn what herbicides work best
in your area and how to use them properly. Always read
label and safety instructions for each control method.
Trade names and control measures appear in this
document only to provide specific information. USDA,
NRCS does not guarantee or warranty the products and
control methods named, and other products may be
equally effective.
Biological Control
Biological control methods have not been considered.
References
Brummer, F., Oregon State University Extension. 2008.
Personal communication.
Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture.
University of Washington.
hUp://biology.burke.washington.edu/herbarium/imag
ecollecti on.php?Genus=Ventenata&Species=dubia
(Accessed 5/27/2008).
Flora of North America Editorial Committee. 1993.
Flora of North America: North of Mexico. Vol. 24.
Magnoliophyta. Oxford University Press, New York.
pp. 683-684.
Gribble, R., NRCS, Grangeville, ID. 2008. Personal
communication.
Hitchcock, C.L. and A. Cronquist. 1973. Flora of the
Pacific Northwest. University of Washington Press,
Seattle and London. p. 674.
Jaberg, J., Ochoco National Forest, Paulina Ranger
District. 2008. Personal communication.
Johnson, C.G. and D.K. Swanson. 2005. Bluebunch
Plant Communities of the Blue and Ochoco
Mountains: A Guide for Managers. Gen. Tech. Rep.
PNW-GTR-641. Porland, OR: USDA Forest
Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 119p.
ODA Plant Division, Noxious Weed Control Eurasian watermilfoil
Eurasian watermilfoil $o'
Department
of Agriculture
Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum L.)
ODA rating: B
Description
Perennial, aquatic plant. Purplish red branching stems grow up to five feet long. Feather-like leaves in
whorls of four at each node. Male flowers purplish and appear at the end of the flowering stem. Lower,
whitish flowers female.
Impacts
Eurasian watermilfoil has significant economic impacts to waterways, irrigation ditches, and drainage
canals where it can inhibit flow and increase maintenance costs. It is also a pest of rivers, lakes and
ponds were it reduces water quality, impeded recreation and boat access and have adverse impact to
fish habitat. Elevated nutrient levels created by erosion, fertilizers or urban effluent create a rapid
growth response that can render a waterway clogged within a short period of time. Expensive control
projects frequently target this plant across North America.
r
Images courtesy of Western
Society of Weed Science.
If images are downloaded and used from the ODA web site please be sure to credit the
photographer.
Introduction
Initial introduction is not certain, but it has been suggested that it was accidently introduced to
Chesapeake Bay in the 1800s from Eurasia or northern Africa, probably with ship ballast
Distribution in Oregon
Common throughout western Oregon and the Columbia Basin. Infestations are known to exist in every
state except South Dakota.
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Page 1 of 2
http://oregon.gov/ODA/PLANT/WEEDS/profile_eurasianwatennilfoil.shtml 12/7/2011
Click on photo below to view larger image
Myriophyllum spicatum
(Water Milfoil Family)
Threats to Native Habitats
Eurasian milfoil is a highly aggressive aquatic plant
that can form dense mats which congest waterways
and crowd out native aquatic plants. Thick growth
can impair recreational uses of waterways including
boating, swimming, and fishing. Dense growth of
Eurasian milfoil can alter and degrade the habitat of
native fish and other wildlife. Some stands have
been dense enough to obstruct industrial and
power-generation water intakes. The visual impact
of the flat, yellow-green of matted vegetation on
milfoil-dominated lakes often creates the perception
that the lake is "infested" or "dead." Cycling of
nutrients from sediments to the water column by
Eurasian milfoil may lead to deteriorating water
quality and algal blooms on infested lakes. Eurasian
milfoil is readily spread by plant fragments, which
are abundant in infested waterways. Fragments may
be carried downstream by water currents or
inadvertently picked up by boaters. Milfoil is
readily dispersed by boats, motors, trailers, bilges,
live wells or bait buckets, and can stay alive for
weeks if kept moist.
Description
Eurasian water milfoil is an herbaceous perennial
plant with a trailing growth habit. Narrow stems
grow to the water surface, usually extending three
to ten feet, although sometimes much longer. They
frequently form dense mats. Stems of Eurasian
milfoil are usually branched, and become leafless
toward the base. New plants may emerge from each
node (joint) on a stem, and root upon contact with
mud. Leaves are finely divided and occur in whorls
of three or four. Eurasian milfoil produces small
yellow flowers on a spike that projects two to four
inches above the water surface. Most regeneration of
Eurasian water milfoil is from rhizomes, fragmented
stems and axillary buds that develop throughout the
year. Although seeds are usually viable, they are not
an important means of reproduction.
Bulletin #2531
Eurasian Milf oil
Habitat
Eurasian milfoil grows best in fertile, fine-textured,
inorganic sediments. In less productive lakes it is
restricted to areas of nutrient rich sediments. It is an
opportunistic species that prefers highly disturbed
lake beds, lakes receiving nitrogen and phosphorus-
laden runoff, and heavily used lakes. High water
temperatures promote multiple periods of flowering
and fragmentation. Habitat for Eurasian milfoil
includes lakes, ponds, slow-moving streams, reservoirs,
and estuaries. Many of Maine's ponds, lakes, and
rivers are vulnerable to infestation by this species.
Eurasian milfoil (photos by Holly Crosson, courtesy of the New
England Wild Flower Society)
Dense growth habit of Eurasian milfoil (Holly Crosson)
Distribution
Eurasian milfoil is native to Europe, Asia and
northern Africa. It was introduced to the U.S. in the
1940s. The source of the original introduction is
unclear. Now Eurasian milfoil occurs in nearly
every state in the U.S. and several Canadian
provinces. Spread is mostly attributed to boating
activity, although their have been some deliberate
introductions. A number of populations found in
Oklahoma were introduced by earthworm farmers
who packed their product in Eurasian milfoil. As of
2002 there are no documented occurrences of this
plant in Maine.
Prevention and Control
The best way to control this species, or any aquatic
invader, is to prevent it from being introduced in
the first place. Anyone engaged in activities in
Maine's waters should be aware of the potential for
spreading invasive plants and take steps to prevent
their introduction; your actions can make a
difference. Simple things to do include inspecting
boats, motors, and trailers at the boat ramp before
launching and again after hauling them out. Prevent
plant material from getting into bait buckets and
live wells, and from getting tangled up in anchor
ropes or fishing gear. Plants cleaned from boats and
gear should be disposed of in a trash receptacle or
away from water on dry land.
Once established, invasive aquatic plants are
extremely difficult to eradicate. Control experiments
have been attempted with water level
manipulations, mechanical control and herbicides.
In most cases these plants have survived attempts at
control. Biological controls for invasive aquatics are
still being researched and may help limit growth of
some species in the future. Note that the use of
herbicide in Maine waters is strictly regulated. Only
licensed professionals with a permit from the
Department of Environmental Protection may carry
out herbicide treatments in Maine's waters. Hand-
pulling of invasive aquatic plants also requires a
permit. Also note that in Maine it is illegal to
possess, import, cultivate, distribute or transport
Myriophyllum spicatum (Department of
Environmental Protection, Chapter 722 - An Act to
Prevent the Spread of Invasive Aquatic Plants). If you
think you have found an invasive aquatic plant,
contact ME DEP (1-800-452-1942) or the Maine
Natural Areas Program (1-207-287-8041).
SOUTHERN This fact sheet was researched
MAI
mmmuNE and written by William Moody,
f -COLLEGE a student in the Plant and Soil
Technology Program at Southern Maine
Community College. Additional editing by Don
Cameron, Maine Natural Areas Program.
References:
Remaley, T. "Eurasian Watermilfoil: Myriophyllum
spicatum L." Weeds Gone Wild: Alien Plant Invaders of
Natural Areas. Plant Conservation Alliance's Alien
Plant Working Group, http://www.nps.gov/
plants/ alien/fact/ myspl.htm, (accessed May 2003).
Fernald, M.L. Gray's Manual of Botany, 8th edition.
New York: American Book Company, 1950.
Gleason, H.A. and A. Cronquist. Manual of Vascular
Plants of Northeastern United States and Adjacent
Canada, Second Edition. New York: New York
Botanical Garden, 1991.
For more information or for a more extensive list
of references on invasive species contact:
Don Cameron
Maine Natural Areas Program
Department of Conservation
#93 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0093
(207-287-8044)
or
Lois Berg Stack
University of Maine Cooperative Extension
495 College Avenue, Orono, ME 04469
(800-870-7270)
Materials developed by the Maine Natural Areas Program for
use by University of Maine Cooperative Extension. This fact
sheet was made possible by a gift from the Maine Outdoor
Heritage Fund and New England Grows.
® THE UNIVERSITY OF a~pS OF C0* 0.
,111~4
nMAINE
Cooperative Extension MAINE
A Member of the University of Maine System
Published and distributed in furtherance of Ads of Congress of May
8 and June 30, 1914, by the University of Maine Cooperative
Extension, the Land Grant University of the state of Maine and
the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. Cooperative
Extension and other agencies of the U.S.D.A. provide equal
opportunities in programs and employment. 3/04
deneral Information about Eurasian Watermilfoil
Page 1 of 2
Ecology home > Water Quality >Non-native Invasive Freshwater Plants - Table of Contents > General Information about
Eurasian Watermilfoil
Non-native Invasive Freshwater Plants
C MFORA@R ateFMIK H
Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyiium spicatum) is an attractive plant with feathery underwater foliage. It
was once commonly sold as an aquarium plant. Eurasian watermilfoil, hereafter called milfoil, originates
from Europe and Asia, but was introduced to North America many years ago and is now found over much
of the United States. This plant was introduced to the eastern United
States at least as long ago as the 1940s, but it may have arrived as early
as the late 1800s. The first known herbarium specimen of milfoil in
Washington was collected from Lake Meridian near Seattle in 1965. By the
mid 1970s it was also found in Lake Washington. During this same time
period milfoil became established in central British Columbia and traveled
downstream to Lake Osoyoos and the Okanogan River in central
Washington. Now milfoil is found in the Columbia, Okanogan, Snake, and
Pend Oreille Rivers and in many nearby lakes. In western Washington, the
distribution of milfoil closely follows the Interstate 5 corridor. It is very
apparent that milfoil has been spread from lake to lake on boat trailers.
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Because it is widely distributed and difficult to control, milfoil is considered 777~M
to be the most problematic plant in Washington. The introduction of milfoil
can drastically alter a water body's ecology. Milfoil forms very dense mats
of vegetation on the surface of the water. These mats interfere with
recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, water skiing, and
boating. In eastern Washington milfoil interferes with power generation and irrigation by clogging water
intakes. The sheer mass of plants can cause flooding and the stagnant mats can create good habitat for
mosquitoes. Milfoil mats can rob oxygen from the water by preventing the wind from mixing the
oxygenated surface waters to deeper water. The dense mats of vegetation can also increase the
sedimentation rate by trapping sediments.
Milfoil also starts spring growth sooner than native aquatic plants and can shade out these beneficial
plants. When milfoil invades new territory, typically the species diversity of aquatic plants declines. While
some species of waterfowl will eat milfoil, it is not considered to be a good food source. Milfoil reproduces
extremely rapidly and can infest an entire lake within two years of introduction to the system. Although
milfoil produces many seeds, we do not believe that these seeds are important for milfoil reproduction in
Washington waters. However, milfoil is able to reproduce very successfully and rapidly through the
formation of plant fragments. In the late summer and fall the plants become brittle and naturally break
apart. These fragments will float to other areas, sink, and start new plants. Milfoil will also grow from
fragments created by boaters or other disturbances during any time of year. A new plant can start from
a tiny piece of a milfoil plant. This is why milfoil can so easily be transported from lake to lake on boat
trailers or fishing gear. Once established in its new home, water currents may carry milfoil fragments
and start new colonies within the same waterbody.
Management
http://vvww.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/plants/weeds/Milfoil.html 1/25/2012
teneral Information about Eurasian Watermilfoil Page 2 of 2
Once milfoil becomes well-established within a waterbody, it is difficult or impossible to remove. In
smaller waterbodies (350 acres or less), we have had some success using an aquatic herbicide called
Sonar@ to remove milfoil and the selective herbicides 2,4-D and triclopyr-TEA show great promise in
managing milfoil infestations. Other control methods include harvesting, rotovation (underwater
rototilling), installation of bottom barriers, diver hand pulling, diver dredging, and in some very limited
situations the use of triploid (sterile) grass carp. We are investigating other biological controls such as
the milfoil weevil. Milfoil management costs the state and private individuals up-to-one million dollars per
year.
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The genus is easy to identify because all milfoils have feather-like leaves arranged in whorls around the
stem. Identifying individual species is much more difficult and even
the plant experts rely on DNA analysis to tell some species from each
other. There are several native milfoil species in Washington and some
species like northern milfoil (Myriophyiium sibericum) are commonly
found in Washington lakes. In fact, for many years northern milfoil and
Eurasian watermilfoil were classified as the same species. Currently
botanists seem to be in agreement that the two are separate species,
though often can look very similar. The milfoil leaflet to on the right is
from a northern milfoil plant. The threadlike segments are very widely
separated and there are few pairs per leaflet. The Eurasian watermilfoil
leaflet (left side of the photo) has many pairs of closely-spaced
segments. Note also that the shape of each leaflet is different.
Unfortunately not all northern and Eurasian milfoil leaflets look so differently from each other.
Sometimes these two species look very similar and when that happens it is best to rely on DNA or
pigment analysis for positive identification.
Here are some tips to identify Eurasian watermilfoil from the
native milfoils.
• Count the pairs of leaflets. Eurasian watermilfoil usually
has twelve or more pairs on each leaf.
• Eurasian watermilfoil leaves tend to collapse around the
stem when removed from the water. Other milfoil species
have thicker stems and are usually more robust.
• The mature leaves are typically arranged in whorls of
four around the stem.
• Contact Jenifer Parsons, Ecology's botanist, at
jenp351@ecy.wa.gov for positive identification.
Follow This Link for Technical Information About Eurasian Watermilfoil
Problems with this page, contact Kathy Hamel atkham4610ecy.wa.gov
Copyright @ Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/plants/weeds/Milfoil.html 1/25/2012