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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrder 009 - Update Noxious Weed ListDeschutes County Board of Commissioners 1300 NW Wall St., Suite 200, Bend, OR 97701-1960 (541) 388-6570 -Fax (541) 385-3202 -www.deschutes.org AGENDA REQUEST & STAFF REPORT For Board Business Meeting of February 8, 2012 DATE: January 26,2012 FROM: Dan Sherwin Road Department 541-322-7135 TITLE OF AGENDA ITEM: Consideration of Board Signature of Order No. 2012-009, Updating the Deschutes County Noxious Weed List. PUBLIC HEARING ON THIS DATE? No BACKGROUND AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS: Order No. 2012-009 Updates the Deschutes County Noxious Weed List (Exhibit A of the Order). The Oregon Department of Agriculture periodically updates the State noxious weed list, and this update to the County's noxious weed list will bring the list in confonnance with the State's list. Under this Order, the Board continues to authorize declaring that certain noxious weeds not be allowed to go to seed within the Deschutes County Weed Control District. The Weed Control District shall continue to destroy noxious weeds and prevent the seeding and spread of such other weeds and plants subsequently declared noxious. The Board appoints the Deschutes County Road Department Director as the County Weed Inspector to carry out actions authorized and required under ORS 569.350 to 569.495. The Road Department Director may also delegate his authority to assistants as Weed Inspectors. A noxious weed list shall be I I published, describing the District and naming weeds to be destroyed and prevented from producing weeds within the District. Enforcement shall generally follow the Enforcement Procedures (see attached Exhibit B). Under ORS 569.400, the County Weed Inspector and duly appointed assistants may enter upon land or premises, and perfonn any act authorized by this Order, and is also authorized 1 to file with the County Clerk an itemized statement of expenses necessarily incurred, including the wage of the Weed Inspector. t FISCAL IMPLICATIONS: ~ None. Order No. 2012-009 is neither a fiscal nor a funds obligation document I RECOMMENDATION & ACTION REQUESTED: Move approval and signature of Order 2012-009, adopting the updated Deschutes County Noxious /1 Weed List. I ~ ATTENDANCE: Dan Sherwin and Paul Stell, Weed Board Advisory Chair DISTRIBUTION OF DOCUMENTS: Copy to Dan Sherwin, Road Department 1 j ~ REVIEWED LEGAL COUNSEL For Recording Stamp Only BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF DESCHUTES COUNTY, OREGON An Order Updating Deschutes County * Noxious Weed List * ORDER NO. 2012-009 WHEREAS, pursuant to ORS 570.515 and Order No. 2002-037 the Board of County Commissioners declared Deschutes County a Weed Control District; and WHEREAS, the Board has been and continues to be authorized to declare certain weeds and plants noxious for the purposes of ORS 570.500 to 570.600 and now ORS 569.350 to 569.495; and I THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF DESCHUTES COUNTY, OREGON, HEREBY ORDERS as follows: Section 1. The Weed Inspector shall publish the Notice, marked Exhibit A, attached hereto and by this reference incorporated herein, describing the District and naming the weeds to be destroyed and to be prevented from producing seed within the District. This Notice shall be published in The Bulletin once each week for two consecutive weeks. The Weed Inspector is authorized and directed to enforce the provisions of ORS 569.350 to 569.495 immediately after the last publication and this Notice. Enforcement shall generally follow the Enforcement Procedure set forth on Exhibit B, attached hereto and incorporated herein. Section 2. This order becomes effective on __________, 2012. I 'I Dated this __ day of ______, 2012 i BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 1 I ANTHONY DEBONE, CHAIR I ALAN UNGER, VICE-CHAIR ATTEST: I Recording Secretary TAMMY BANEY, COMMISSIONER 1 I Page 1 of 1 ORDER 2012-009 1 Road Department 61150 SE 27th St.• Bend. Oregon 97702 [541] 3BB-65B 1 • FAX [541] 3BB-2719 January 26, 2012 To: Deschutes County Commissioners From: Deschutes County Noxious Weed Advisory Board Re: 2012 Noxious Weed List Submitted for your approval is the 2012 Noxious Weed List. Two additional weeds should be added to the list. They are ventenata and eurasian milfoil which will be designated as "A" rated weeds. Ventenata is now in neighboring counties and threatens to spread into Deschutes County where it will replace native perennial grasses and degrade the environment as it is poor forage and its shallow rooting leaves the land prone to erosion. Eurasian milfoil is an aquatic that has devastated lakes and rivers in many areas of the country destroying habitat and causing havoc to recreation and navigation. Eurasian milfoil has been found in local lakes. A study is now underway to determine how many bodies of water are afftected. Sincerely, Paul Stell Weed Board Chair Quality Services Performed with Pride DESCHUTES COUNTY WEED LIST Deschutes County Weed Policy and Classification System "NOXIOUS WEED" means any weed designated by the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners that is injurious to public health, agriculture, range, recreation, wildlife, or any public or private property; any weed that impacts and displaces desirable vegetation, such as Threatened and Endangered Plant Species, wildlife habitat, and livestock. It is acknowledged that certain noxious weeds have become so thoroughly established and are spreading so rapidly on state, county, and federally owned lands, as well as on private land, that they may have been declared by Oregon Revised Statue 570.505 to be a menace to public welfare. Steps leading to eradication where possible are necessary. It is further recognized that the responsibility for such eradication and/or intensive control rests not only on the private landowner and operator, but also the county, state and federal government. Noxious Weed Control Rating System Noxious Weeds, for the purpose of this system, shall be designated "A", "B" or "c" 1. An "A" designated weed is: a priority noxious weed designated by the Deschutes Weed Board as a target weed species on which the Weed Control District will comply with a state wide management plan and/or implement a county wide plan for intensive control and monitoring. An "A" rated weed may also be a weed of known economic or ecological importance which occurs in small enough infestations to make eradication/containment possible; or one that is not known to occur here, but its presence in neighboring counties make future occurrence here seem imminent. Recommended Action: Infestations are subject to intensive control when and where found. 2. A "B" designated weed is: a weed of economic importance, which is both locally abundant and abundant in neighboring counties. Recommended Action: Moderate control and or monitoring at the county level. 3. A "c" designated weed is: a weed that has the potential to cause harm to agriculture production and transportation systems. Recommended Action: Control and monitoring at the county level. This list is available, upon request, to the public from the Deschutes County WeedlVegetation Manager, 322-7135. 2012 « A" Rated Weeds African rue Buffalobur + common houndstongue dyer's woad ­ Eurasian Milfoil + false brome giant cane (giant reed) hydrilla leafy spurge + meadow knapweed ­ Mediterranean sage + medusahead rye + musk thistle ­ orange hawkweed + perennial pepperweed + purple loosestrife + rush skeletonweed Russian knapweed + Scotch thistle + squarrose knapweed sulfur cinquefoil saltcedar tamarix + tansy ragwort + Ventenata + whitetop; hoary cress + wild carrot + yellow starthistle ­ "B" Rated Weeds Canada Thistle + dalmation toadflax + diffuse knapweed + kochia ( annual) + myrtle spurge + poison hemlock + puncturevine + Russian thistle + Scotch broom + spotted knapweed + yellow toadflax or "butter and eggs" + yellowflag iris + Peganum harmala Solanum rostratum Cynoglossum officinale Isatis tinctoria Myriophyllum spicatum Brachypodium sylvaticum Arundo donax Hydrilla vertic illata Euphorbia esula Centaurea pratensis Salvia aethiopis Taeniatherurn caputmedusae Carduus nutans Hieracium aurantiacum Lepidium latifolium L ythrurn salicaria Chondrilla juncea Acroptilon repens Onopordum acanthium Centaurea virgata Potentilla recta Tamarix ramosissima Senecio jacobaea Ventenata dubia Lepidium draba Daucus carota Centaurea solstitialis Cirsium arvense Linaria dalmatica Centaurea diffusa Kochia scoparia Euphorbia myrsinites Conium maculatum Tribulus terrestris Sal sola spp. Cytisus scoparius Centaurea biedersteinii Linaria vulgaris Iris pseudacorus 2012 I "C Rated Weeds bur buttercup + bull thistle + cheat grass ( Downy brome) + common mullein + dodder + field bindweed + filaree redstem + horseweed+ poverty sumpweed + ribbon grass quackgrass + South American waterweed + spiny cocklebur + St Johnswort + sweet clover(s) -Only on Right of Ways + Western Water-hemlock I + + Currently in the County All known populations have been treated Ranunculus testiculatus Cirsium vulgare Bromus tectorum Verbascum thapsus Cuscuta spp. Convolvulus arvensis Erodium cicutarium Conyza Canadensis Iva axillaries Phalaris arundinacea Agropyron repens Elodea densa Xanthium spinosum Hypericum perforatum Melilotus officinalis Cicuta douglasii+ Natives but Poisonous to Animals or Humans 2012 EXHIBIT A NOTICE FORMATION OF DESCHUTES COUNTY WEED CONTROL DISTRICT The Board of County Commissioners' of Deschutes County, Oregon ("Board") has declared that Deschutes County, described in ORS 201.090, to be a Weed Control District. The district shall be known as the "Deschutes County Weed Control District." The following described weeds are declared to be noxious weeds and plants, and such weeds are to be destroyed, prevented and prevented from producing seeds within the District: Formal Name Cardaria spp. Carduus nutans Centaurea pratensis Centaurea repens Centaurea solstitialis Centaurea virgata Chondrilla juncea Cynoglossum officinale Daucus carota Euphorbia esula Hydrilla verticillata Isatis tinctoria Lepidium latifolium Lythrum salicaria Myriophyllum spicatum Onopordum acanthium Peganum hermala Potentilla recta Salvia aethiopis Senecio jacobaea Solanum rostratum Taeniatherum caput-medusae Tamarix ramosissima Tribulus terrestris Centaurea diffusa Centaurea maculosa Cirsium arvense Conium maculatum Cytisus scoparius Common Name whitetop; hoary cress musk thistle meadow knapweed Russian knapweed yellow starthistle squarrose knapweed rush skeletonweed common houndstongue wild carrot leafy spurge hydrilla dyer's woad perennial pepperweed purple loosestrife Eurasian milfoil Scotch thistle African rue sulfur cinquefoil Mediterranean sage tansy ragwort buffaloburr medusahead rye tamarix puncturevine diffuse knapweed spotted knapweed Canada thistle poison hemlock Scotch broom Page 1 of 2 -Exhibit A to Order No. 2010-014 Kochia scoparia Linaria dalmatica Linaria vulgaris Ranunculus testiculatus Salsola iberica Agropyron repens Cicuta maculata Cirsium vulgare Convolvulus arvensis Conyza Canadensis Cuscuta spp. Elodea densa Hypericum perforatum Iva axillaris Melilotus alba Melilotus indica Ventenata dubia Verbascum thapsis Xanthium spino sum kochia dalmation toadflax yellow toadflax or "butter and eggs" bur buttercup Russian thistle (= S. kali) quackgrass water hemlock bull thistle field bindweed horseweed dodder South American waterweed St. lohnswort poverty stumpweed sweetclover Indian sweetclover Ventenata common mullein spiny cocklebur The Board has appointed a County Weed Inspector who has the power to enforce ORS 569.350 to 569.495 including the right to enter upon land or premises and destroy noxious weed or control them in such manner as will destroy all seeds of such noxious weeds. The County Weed Inspector is authorized to place liens upon real property to recoup the expenses (including the wages of the Weed inspector) necessarily incurred in the destruction of noxious weeds. Every person, firm or corporation owning or occupying land within Deschutes County shall destroy or prevent the seeding on such land any noxious weeds within the meaning ofORS 569.350 to 569.495 or declared to be noxious by the Board no weed declared noxious shall be permitted (to produce seed) by the owner or occupier ofland. Publication: THE BULLETIN ,2010 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR DESCHUTES COUNTY, OREGON DENNIS R. LUKE, Chair Page 2 of2 Exhibit A to Order No. 2010-014 EXHIBIT B ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES DESCHUTES COUNTY NOXIOUS WEED CONTROL 1. When a noxious weed infestation is brought to the attention of the County Weed Inspector an inspection of the site is warranted. It is the County's goal to have landowners comply with State weed laws and it is the intent for the Weed Inspector to assist landowners in achieving compliance. 2. Each contact, attempt to contact, and the results of that contact shall be documented. 3. The inspector shall visit the property and make an assessment of the infestation. If unable to make a determination from the public right of way the inspector shall make reasonable effort to contact the property owner or agent prior to entry as permitted in ORS 569.380. A reasonable effort may be a personal contact while at the site, a phone call, a notice left at the dwelling, or a certified letter. 4. If the inspector believes the property contains noxious weeds, the inspector shall either personally serve notice on the property owner or occupant, or post notice in three conspicuous places on the land. The notice shall contain: the date of service, the name of the weed or weeds growing on the land, and a statement setting forth that the weeds must be destroyed within a specified time of not less than two days or more than 10 days (as determined by the inspector) from the date of service. The notice may contain an invitation to the property owner or occupant to visit with the inspector for clarification of any requirements relative to noxious weed abatement, alternative methods of achieving compliance and an agreement by which the property owner will control the noxious weeds by a date certain, together with follow up inspection. 5. If follow up inspection reveals that the noxious weeds have not been adequately or effectually controlled or not controlled as agreed upon then a citation may be issued, by a person duly authorized to cite for a violation, and served on the owner or occupant in accordance with applicable law. Each day that the noxious weeds are permitted to set seed may be considered a separate violation. 6. If the follow up inspections reveal compliance with the agreed upon treatment the inspector should continue to inspect the property for 1 and V2 growing seasons to verify that the noxious weeds are no longer growing or producing seed. Unive~sity of Idaho 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. An­ A 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 NR CS 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 p lant. 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 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 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 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 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 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 of proper amount of nutrients, 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 of Natural History and Culture. University of Washington . http ://biology .burke. wash ington.edulherbari urnli mag ecollection .php?Genus=Ventenata&Species=dubia (Accessed 512712008). 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. 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 i n 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 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). 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 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 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 class ified 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 atk ham461 @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