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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-02-08 Business Meeting Minutes Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Business Meeting Wednesday, February 8, 2012 Page 1 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 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 Stutler, 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 2 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 3 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 Stutler 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: Yes. UNGER: Yes. DEBONE: 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 4 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 5 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-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. BANEY: Move approval. UNGER: 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-H 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. 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 zz.M-Dayof ~2012 for the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners. Anthony DeBone, Chair Alan Unger, Vice Chair ATTEST: ~~ Recording Secretary Minutes of Board of Commissioners' Business Meeting Wednesday, February 8,2012 Page 6 of6 Pages Deschutes County Board ofCommissioners 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 ofa public hearing will NOT be included in the official record ofthat hearing. 3. DEPARTMENT PRESENTATION: 9-1-1 County Service District-Rob Poirier 4. PUBLIC HEARING and Consideration of Signature ofOrder No. 2012-011, regarding the Fonnation ofthe 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 o/Order No. 2012-011. 5. CONSIDERATION of Signature ofOrder 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 o/Order No. 2012-009. Board ofCommissioners' Business Meeting Agenda Wednesday, February 8, 2012 Page 1 of6 Pages 6. CONSIDERATION of Chair Signature ofDocument No. 2012-087, a Notice ofIntent 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 Stutler, County Forester Suggested Actions: Move Chair signature ofNotice ofIntent to Award letter, and authorize County Forester to sign individual retainer agreements. CONSENT AGENDA 7. Signature ofLetters 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 ofOrder No. 2012-010, Declaring Certain Personal Property Surplus and Authorizing Sale (Sheriff's Office) 9. Approval of Minutes: • Board Meeting ofFebruary 1, 2012 • Work Sessions ofJanuary 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 ofOrder No. 2012-011, regarding the Formation ofthe 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 ofOrder No. 2012-011. 11. CONSIDERATION ofApproval of Weekly Accounts Payable Vouchers for the 9-1-1 County Service District Board ofCommissioners' Business Meeting Agenda Wednesday, February 8,2012 Page 2 of6 Pages CONVENE AS THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE EXTENSION AND 4-H COUNTY SERVICE DISTRICT 12. CONSIDERATION of Signature of Letters regarding the Extensionl4-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 ofletters. 13. CONSIDERATION of Approval of Weekly Accounts Payable Vouchers for the Extensionl4-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 I 92.660(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. Ifyou have questions regarding a meeting, please call 388-6572.) Board ofCommissioners' Business Meeting Agenda Wednesday, February 8, 2012 Page 3 of6 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 ofCommissioners' 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 7:30a.m. Legislative Update -Public Affairs Counsel (conference call) 10:00 a.m. Board ofCommissioners' Meeting 1:30p.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 ofCommissioners' Business Meeting Agenda Wednesday, February 8,2012 Page 4 of6 Pages Wednesday, March 7 7:30 a.m. Legislative Update -Public Affairs Counsel (conference call) 10:00 a.m. Board ofCommissioners' Meeting 1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session could include executive session(s) Thursday, March 8 7:00a.m. Regular Meeting with the City of Redmond Council, at Redmond City Council Chambers Wednesday, March 14 10:00 a.m. Board ofCommissioners' Meeting 1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session -could include executive session(s) Monday, March 19 10:00 a.m. Board ofCommissioners' Meeting 1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session -could include executive session(s) Monday, March 26 10:00 a.m. Board ofCommissioners' Meeting 1:30p.m. Administrative Work Session -could include executive session(s) Wednesday, March 28 10:00 a.m. Board ofCommissioners' Meeting 1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session -could include executive session(s) Monday, April 2 10:00 a.m. Board ofCommissioners' Meeting 1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session -could include executive session(s) Wednesday, April 4 10:00 a.m. Board ofCommissioners' Meeting 1:30 p.m. Administrative Work Session -could include executive session(s) Board ofCommissioners' Business Meeting Agenda Wednesday, February 8,2012 Page 5 of6 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 -J-1 to access the state transfer relay service for TTY. Please call (541) 388-6571 regarding alternative formats or for further information. Board ofCommissioners' Business Meeting Agenda Wednesday, February 8,2012 Page 6 of6 Pages Unive~sityofIdaho ExtensIon 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 Venlenala duma, commonly referred to as wire grass, 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 hay fields 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 wild rye. 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 ex­and through two publications by NRCS and WSU. In port leaving farmers only a local market at about addition, NRCS personnel surveys added to our un­$150 per ton. Ventenata is difficult to control using derstanding of the scope of the problem. common weed management strategies and has seri­ ously impacted forage producers by reducing forage Program Outcomes yield and quality throughout the Pacific Northwest. Eight experiments showed that the active ingredient imazapic (5 oz/A product, Plateau or Panoramic) is Our Response effective in the fall just after Ventenata emerges. An­A multi-state effort is underway to address Vente­other chemical, Journey, proved effective at a rate of nata control. Partners include: the Natural Resource 13 oz/A. Each of these products reduces growth of Conservation Service (NRCS); Latah County Soil and desirable forage grasses in the following spring and Water Conservation District; Latah and Benewah summer but fall growth returns to normal. County farmers and ranchers; County Weed Superin­ tendents from Asotin and Pend Oreille Counties in In addition, results showed that the chemical Out­ Washington; and Washington State University (WSU) rider at 0.75 to 1 oz/Acre product is effective when and University of Idaho (UI) Extension faculty and applied in the fall. These herbicides worked well un­ specialists. Two publications have been written in­der different management systems. Outrider could be cluding a WSU extension bulletin and a NRCS Plant used in CRP and other non-crop uses only. Guide. Ventenata control in Timothy hay will require addi­ Eight Ventenata infested sites were identified and tional research because of potential Timothy injury designated as test plots for herbicide and fertilization from herbicides. Several herbicides show promise treatments. Field experiments were conducted and and new options may become available after studies results were shared at 3 conferences, 4 field tours, 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. TImothy hay without Ventenata. TImothy hay with Ventenata . FOR MORE INFORMATION Dr. Timothy S. Prather, W~ed 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 • ~~NRCS UnIbd Sta\ Department of AgriculwnI Natural Resources Conserval.ion Service Plant Guide VENTENATA Ventenata dubia (Leers) Coss. Plant Symbol = VEDU Contributed by: USDA NRCS Pullman Plant Materials Center Pamela Scheinost, USDA NRCS Pullman Plant Materials Center Caution: This plant is weedy and can be invasive. Alternate Names Wiregrass, North Africa grass, Avena dubia Leers, Venlenala 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 ofNatural 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 cui ms 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 characlerislics: 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 (I -2.5 mm in length) become twisted and bent, which is typical of members of the A veneae tribe. Distribution Ventenata is native to southern Europe, western Asia and northern Africa There are 5 known species of Vente nata, 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 ofCanada (BC, AB, ON, QC, NB). In the western U.S., ventenata is beginning to receive a great deal ofattention 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 m, 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 ofaggressive 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 swat her (hence the name wiregrass). If vente nata 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). EnvironmentaUCultural 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 ofproper amount ofnutrients, use of Integrated Pest Management (I PM) strategies such as spot spraying, following a suitable grazing plan, and good forage management. Chemical Control In cropland, several·nerbicides 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 ofNatural History and Culture. University of Washington. http://biology.burke. wash ington.edulherbari urnli mag ecollection.php?Genus=Ventenata&Species=dubia (Accessed 512712008). Flora ofNorth 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. 119 p. ODA Plant Division, Noxious Weed Control Eurasian watermilfoil Page 1 of2 QJJgmlEurasian watermilfoil 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. Click on photo below to view larger image ~----------------------. Images courtesy of Western Society of Weed Science. If images are downloaded and used from the ODA web sUe please be sure to credit the photographer. Introduction Initial introduction is not certain, but it has been suggested that it was acddently 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. http://oregon.gov/ODAIPLANTIWEEDS/profile_eurasianwatermilfoil.shtml 12/7/2011 Bulletin #2531 Eurasian Milfoil 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 milioil-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. Milioil 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 milioil are usually branched, and become leafless toward the base. New plants may emerge from each node Uoint) 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. Eurasian milfoil (photos by Holly Crosson, courlesy of the New England Wild Flower Society) Habitat Eurasian milioil 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 milloil includes lakes, ponds, slow-moving streams, reservoirs, and estuaries. Many of Maine's ponds, lakes, and rivers are vulnerable to infestation by this species. Dense growth habit of Eurasian milfoil (Holly Crosson) • Distribution Eurasian miJfoil 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 ofInvasive 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). i_MArNE This fact sheet was researched cn.tMllNlTY and written by William Moody, c ..."oo n I.M' COLU!GE d' h PI d S "Ia stu ent In t e ant an 01 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/mysp1.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 ofNortheastern 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 MAINE Cooperative Extension A Member ofthe University ofMaine System Published and distJibuted 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.DA provide equal opportunities in programs and employment. 3/04 .. . {;eneral Information about Eurasian Watennilfoil Page 1 of2 ~ It DEPARTMENT OF ,-ECOLOGY http://www.ecy.wa.qov -, ~--SUlle 01 W~~hlngtOQ Ecology home > Water Quality > Non-natlye Invasive Freshwater Plants -Table of Contents > General Information about Eurasian Watermilfoil Non-native Invasive Freshwater Plants Eurasian Watermilfoil General Information Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum 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. I\low 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. Growth Habit Because it is widely distributed and difficult to control, milfoil is considered 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 112512012http://www.ecy . wa.gov /programs/wqlplants/weeds/milfoil.html General Information about Eurasian Watermilfoil Page 2 of2 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 2,4-0 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. Identification 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 (Myriophyllum 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@ecv.wa.qov for positive identification. Follow This Link for Technical Information About Eurasian Watermilfoil Problems with this page, contact Kathy Hamel atkham461@ecy.wa.gov Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html. 1125/2012http://www .ecy. wa.gov /programs/wq/plants/weeds/milfoil.html