Dawson county weed managament plantable of contents

Rush Skeletonweed (Chondrilla Juncea)

Description

Rush skeletonweed is a tap-rooted perennial that can grow up to four feet in height, however in Montana, tends to be smaller in stature. The rosette of rush skeletonweed resembles a dandelion rosette in the sharp, deeply toothed basal leaves. The lower stem of the plant is covered with coarse brown hairs. The stems and leaves exude a milky latex. Leaves are not easily seen, giving the plant a skeletal appearance. When the plant does flower, it produces a yellow flower about ¾ inches in diameter. Flowers are scattered on stems and branch tips and may appear by themselves or in clusters of two to five. Blooming occurs from mid- summer to fall. A mature plant can produce up to 20,000 seeds. When the plant does go to seed, the seeds are light brown to black, ribbed, and have white-ish bristles at one end that aid the seed in being dispersed by the wind. Roots are narrow and deep, sometimes penetrating the ground up to two to three feet. Roots not only run vertical, but can run lateral near the surface.

Key Features

Key features include the downward bent, reddish, brown coarse hairs on the lower four to six inches of the stem, and of course, the skeletal look of the plant due to the lack of leaves on the upper part of the plant.

Habitat

Rush Skeletonweed generally inhabits well-drained, light-textured soils.  It can tolerate extended periods of drought and occupies disturbed habitats such as overgrazed rangeland, waste places, logging, farming, and road construction. Also be on the lookout around gopher mounds or around badger holes, as the plant tends to like those areas as well.

Interesting Facts

Rush skeletonweed reproduces only through clones produced from root buds and asexually by seed. The native skeletonweed in Montana produces a pink flower.

Commonly Confused Plants: Lygodesmia juncea (skeletonweed) has pink (occasionally white) flowers, Dandelion, Chicory

Saltcedar (Tamarix Ramosissima and T. Chinensis)

Common Names: Tamarisk, Saltcedar, Tamarix, French Tamarisk, Small-flowered Tamarisk

Description

Saltcedar is a pretty evergreen shrub that can grow up to fifty feet in height. As an invasive shrub, saltcedar can form dense thickets of vegetation, especially along waterways. Leaves resemble juniper leaves; they are scale-like, overlap each other along the stem and are gray-green in color. Stems of saltcedar are slender, light red or orange-colored and flowers are pale pink to white and form dense masses of 2 inch long spikes at the branch tip. Dense plumes of flowers bloom from early spring to late fall, and each plant can produce 600,000 seeds annually. Saltcedar reproduces by root and seeds which are dispersed through water and air. This plant prefers riparian areas, but can be found in drier soils as well.

Key Features

The evergreen shrub appearance and the showy pink flowers that bloom in clusters along tips of stems.

Habitat

Saltcedar is located along streams, waterways, bottom lands, banks and drainage washes of natural or artificial water bodies, moist rangelands and pastures, and other areas where seedlings can be exposed to extend periods of saturated soil for establishment. It has also been found in numerous ornamental locations in urban areas in western Montana. These areas are not typically riparian in nature.

Russian Knapweed (Acroptilon Repens)

Common Names: Turestan Thistle, Creeping Knapweed, Mountain Bluet, Russian Cornflower, Hardheads

Description

Russian knapweed is a perennial that differs from diffuse and spotted knapweed primarily in that it has a rhizomtous, or extensive, root system. Russian knapweed can grow up to three feet in height and forms dense colonies due to this root system. Roots are also distinguishable by their black color, bark-like texture, and by buds that develop into shoots. Leaves at all stages are a gray green in color due to the fine whitish hairs that over the leaves.  Leaves are alternate. Lower stem leaves are lance-shaped and deeply lobed. The upper leaves are oblong, toothed, and become progressively smaller. Seedlings are oval, hairy and grey-green in color, but Russian knapweed is more likely to reproduce by root than by seed. This plant is bushy as too compared to diffuse or spotted knapweeds, and from June to September, produces a pink to purple flower that, when mature, becomes more cream colored. Bracts below the flowers have rounded papery tips. Seeds are ivory white and have hairy tips which fall off the seed as it matures. A single plant may produce up to 1,200 seeds annually.

Key Features

Dark brown to black scaly roots and papery bracts below the flower head.

Habitat

Russian knapweed commonly grows along roadsides, pastures, croplands, clear-cuts, irrigation ditches as well as riverbanks and disturbed habitats.  It tends to prefer clay type soils and a more arid environment.

Interesting Facts

Russian knapweed does not readily establish in healthy, natural habitats, and it typically invades disturbed areas. Russian knapweed also produces its own herbicide, which inhibits the growth of competing plants. Russian knapweed is a member of the thistle family.

Commonly Confused Plants: Many native members of Asteraceae resemble knapweed in the rosette stage and other knapweeds

Common Tansy (Tanacetum Vulgare)

Common Names

buttons, golden buttons

Description

Common tansy is a perennial forb that can grow up to five feet in height. Seedlings are petioled, hairy and slightly lobed margins. Later, as the plant matures, leaves take on a fern-like appearance. Leaves can reach ten inches long and up to three inches wide and are a dark green color. Stems grow in clusters, giving the plant a bush-like appearance. They are slightly hairy and  purplish-red closer to the ground. Flowers are button-like, bright yellow to yellow-orange and formed in dense, flat topped clusters on the end of the stems. Flowering occurs from July into October, making it an appealing ornamental for gardeners. The entire plant has a strong odor due to small glands on the leaves that produce scent.  Seeds are grayish-tan in color, ribbed and lack a pappus. Reproduction occurs through a shallow, but extensive root system and by seed.

Key Features

Fern-like leaves; yellow, button-like flower heads, and strong odor associated with the leaves.

Habitat

It grows best in full sun and prefers sites with moist soils. Common tansy grows along roadsides, railroads, stream banks, fields, irrigated pastures, moist valley bottoms, rangeland, gardens and disturbed habitats.

Interesting Facts

It is reputed that in Pony, Montana, the site of a red light district in the 1800’s, common tansy was used in teas to cause abortions as needed with the ladies of the night. It was also used to prevent or eradicate intestinal worms in people in the middle ages. It is toxic to animals, but poisoning is rare due to the fact that the plant is unpalatable.

Commonly Confused Plants: Tansy ragwort

THE SUCCESS OF THE DISTRICT
The Dawson County Noxious Weed Management Program hinges on several key factors.
I. Public Education
II. Memorandums of Understanding, MOU's
III. County, State and Federal Contracts
IV. Professional, Educated Staff
V. Proper Herbicide Applications
VI. Landowner Participation
VII. Weed Law Enforcement

1. 
   PUBLIC EDUCATION
   

1. 
   Awareness
   

The Dawson County Weed District will continue to develop a coordinated public relations program, including media and other activities to stimulate residents of Dawson County to be able to identify and properly control noxious weeds. The most important component in addressing noxious weeds is education; you need to know the weeds we are dealing with in Montana. Resident involvement is another important component in addressing noxious weeds. We must encourage the public to become actively involved with the war on weeds. The Weed District should attempt to make residents aware of the seriousness of the problem, enlist their support and encourage them to actively participate in noxious weed control. The effort will be aimed both at stopping the spread of noxious weeds and eradicating or controlling existing infestations. The Dawson County Weed District will conduct county wide programs targeting key groups, not just agriculture. Without this effort, the following problems could arise:

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  Existing noxious weed problem would continue to spread.
  
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  Noxious weeds will spread by area residents inadvertently.
  
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  Dawson County's natural resource base will erode.
  
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  An uninformed public could lead to less funding for noxious weed control efforts in the future.
  

2. 
   Specific objectives
   

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  Increase awareness of the environmental and economic damage caused by noxious weeds.
  
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  Educate people on proper identification of noxious weeds.
  
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  Develop a public interest and assist and support all efforts of weed control, including the providing of rental equipment, technical advice and the developing of weed management plans.
  

3. 
   Plan of Action
   

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  The program would be administered by the Dawson County Weed Control District. The Weed District will continually determine the level of awareness in the county and will also determine what methods of education will be most effective.
  

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  Target audiences; while the target audience is everyone in Dawson County, the District have broken down the audience into smaller segments so that individual group's needs and concerns can better be addressed.
  

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  Federal, State and local officials. Since public agencies in Dawson County are actively involved in noxious weed control, efforts will be directed towards helping them educate their users about noxious weeds. Specifically, efforts will be about preventing the spread of noxious weeds onto public lands. Participation in Soil Conservation District meetings and participation in Dawson County Commissioner meetings. Also distribution of brochures and fliers, calendars and signs addressing the problem of noxious weeds on public lands.
  
• 
  Farmers and Ranchers. The very individuals whose livelihood depends on the productivity and ethics of the land may unknowingly contribute to the noxious weed problem. They may bring in contaminated seed, hay or equipment which spread noxious weeds during the course of normal farming or ranching practices. Activities in this group include: mass media, involvement with extension service, Soil Conservation District involvement, brochures and mailings, licensing and recertification classes.
  

Educational materials are available for public review and/or distribution from the County Weed Department, the County Extension Agent or online at

www.mtweed.org
www.agr.mt.gov
II. Memorandums of Understanding, MOU's
MOU's should be developed with any federal, city, county and state agencies with land holdings in Dawson County who wishes to work with the County Weed Department in controlling their noxious weeds. The agreement shall designate responsibility of the agency with respect to Noxious Weed Management on lands in their control. The MOU's should attempt to establish affordable, yet well planned, weed management tactics which will be complimented by the Weed District in either the form of advice, loaned equipment, and/or annual contracts. Annual amendments or upgrades will take place to adequately consider budget restraints or new found weed infestations. MOU's should be signed off by the respective agency’s Supervisor or Manager, the Weed District Supervisor and the Dawson County Weed Board Chairman.

***(MOU SAMPLE)***

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN

DAWSON COUNTY WEED DISTRICT

AND

(XXXX)
This agreement entered into on this______ day_______ of 20____, between the Dawson County Weed District, 207 W. Bell, Glendive, MT 59330, hereinafter referred to as the Weed Board and (XXX)XX Address, hereafter referred to as (XXXX) .
Whereas, it is hereby agreed that (XXXX) will assist and cooperate with the Weed Board in the compliance and enforcement of the Montana State Weed Law (MCA 722), it is also agreed that the (AGENCY) management objectives are to continue management practices that prevent, control and restrict the spread of noxious weeds along lands owned by (XXXX) .
Therefore, (XXXX) adopts these management objectives in commitment to noxious weed management.

1. Minimize bare soil on lands owned by (XXXX) .

2. Establish and maintain competitive vegetation on those lands.

3. Utilize Weed Board re-vegetation capabilities and technology to prevent the spread of noxious weeds, weed seed and viable noxious weed plant parts during all activities at (XXXX) .

4. Continue financial responsibility for control of noxious weeds on (XXXX) land holdings.

5. Contract performance for roadside vegetation establishment shall be based upon vegetation establishment within a certain contract period.

6. All seed used for this purpose must be certified noxious weed seed free in records of sources, lots or batches, in evidence of certification must be provided for the weed board on demand.

7. All weed seed contaminated material used within the project area will be buried at least two feet under asphalt or clean cover material.

8. Organic materials used for surface mulch, erosion control, water barriers for frost and weather protection shall be obtained from noxious weed seed free sources.

9. When necessary, equipment and trucks will be cleaned of contaminated soil, or noxious weed seeds, before movement from noxious weed infested areas.

10. (XXXX) agrees to make every reasonable effort to have a representative attend weed board meetings, when necessary.

11. (XXXX) is responsible for assisting in obtaining access by district employees to (AGENCY) properties that are infested with noxious weeds.

12. (XXXX) is also responsible for assisting and mapping current infestations and advising the weed board of any new infestations of weeds.

13. (XXXX) is responsible for assisting in educating the public in areas of identification, reporting and control of weeds.

14. (XXXX) shall vigorously control and eradicate established stands of noxious weeds on (AGENCY) lands and eliminate or prevent noxious weed seeds from contaminating adjacent lands and watersheds in accordance with established guidelines contained in the Dawson County Noxious Weed Management Plan.

Subsection:

RESPONSIBILITIES OF WEED BOARD:
1. The Weed Board is responsible for carrying out the Montana state weed law in cooperation with (XXXX).

2. The Board is responsible for assisting and mapping current infestations and providing technical advice to (XXXX).

3. The Board is responsible for billing (XXXX) for any contracts entered into or any weed control performed on (XXXX) lands to include any work completed that may be covered by potential cost share agreements. The billing shall show the type and amount of pesticide used, area treated and amount of labor and equipment charges.
It is mutually understood that these standards are subject to periodic review and approval by the Dawson County Weed Board and (XXXX). In addition, this agreement may be amended provided that both parties agree to the amendment in writing.
Either party may terminate this agreement by providing thirty (30) days written notice, and unless terminated by written notice, this agreement will remain in force until the completion of all objectives.
Reviewed for legal content by:
________________________________/County Attorney Date: ____________

For the County of Dawson:

_______________________________/Commission Chair Date: ____________

For Dawson County Weed Department:

________________________________/Supervisor Date: ____________

For (XX)
________________________________/Authorized Representative Date: ____________

III. County, State and Federal Contracts
The Dawson County Weed District presently maintains a contract with the Montana Department of Transportation, which includes rightofway spraying on approximately 100 miles of state and federal highway. This contract has been ongoing for many years and excellent results can be observed from viewing state and federal highway corridors in the county.
IV. Professional, Educated Staff
As the directory of the employee's portion of the plan illustrates, there is a very limited staff. The office assistant is responsible for all phases of district involvement. The current Supervisor has at least three years’ experience with all aspects of IPM. The staff members listed below have become restricted use, regulatory weed licensed and have developed tremendous knowledge with all aspects of weed management. Ongoing training and yearly training meetings will continue to be an important tool for District employees.
Employees License/Number
Joe Sharbono 1001700-15
Heath Craig 104333-15
V. Proper Herbicide Applications
The District maintains a strong commitment to herbicide applications being applied to the most stringent label requirements and regulations. For the most part, only general use pesticides are applied by the Dawson County Weed District. One Restricted Use chemical, Tordon, is utilized for its ability to control most of everything. The District takes into account several factors before applying any pesticide. Those factors include, but are not limited to, soil type, sensitive crops in the area, weather conditions, watersheds, and alternative controls. Equipment upgrades and well trained staff are also vital to upholding our commitment to safe, well planned applications. Current labels and any supplement labels are carried by all applicators. Labels and MSDS sheets are made available from Weed Supervisor for public review.


VI. Landowner Participation
WHY SHOULD DAWSON COUNTY RESIDENTS CONTROL NOXIOUS WEEDS
Negative effects of not controlling weeds include:

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  Loss of wildlife habitat and reduced wildlife numbers
  
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  Reduced livestock grazing
  
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  Increased soil erosion and topsoil loss
  
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  Diminished water quality and fish habitat
  
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  Diminished nutrient quality of soil
  
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  Reduced cropland and farmland production
  
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  Reduced land value and sale potential
  
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  Actual costs of controlling established weeds
  

Obviously, much will be lost if noxious weeds are not controlled. How can each of us help solve the problem?

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  Learn to identify weeds in your area
  
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  Inform other people about weeds
  
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  Control weeds on your property
  
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  Alert landowners if you find weeds
  
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  Avoid driving through weed patches
  
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  Limit access in weed infested areas
  
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  Check in and under your vehicle for weeds and weed seeds after traveling in weed infested areas
  
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  Check in and under your vehicle for weeds and weed seeds before traveling in weed free areas
  
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  Buy weed free hay
  
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  Minimize soil disturbances
  
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  Reseed areas of disturbed soil
  
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  Don't overgraze pasture lands
  
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  Support weed control legislation
  
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  Support weed law enforcement
  

VII. Weed Law Enforcement
To the best of its fiscal and personnel ability, the Dawson County Weed District will enforce the Montana County Noxious Weed Control Act 7222101 through 722 2153, as well as Rules 4.5.201 through 4.5.203. The weed law will be strictly followed when entry must be made onto private land to verify a noxious weed complaint or sighting. Where a complaint has been filed, or the Weed District has reason to believe that noxious weeds are present on any lands in Dawson County, the District shall adhere to the following steps:
1. Accept complaint or make visual inspection of a property containing state or county declared noxious weeds. If a complaint is lodged by a private landowner, complainant must sign a formal complaint notice with their name on the document. If noxious weeds are noticed by County Weed District employees, the landowners will be notified. Time limits will be posted as to when the landowner is to contact the Dawson County Weed District. A phone call is deemed acceptable.
2. Seek voluntary compliance after landowners contact the office. This interchange should encourage long term 3 to 5 year management plans using any or all IPM approved controls that are both affordable as well as acceptable to each landowner. Each management plan must be signed and accepted by the Dawson County Weed Board Chairman, The Dawson County Weed District Supervisor, and the landowner. Voluntary compliance should occur within 30 days of contact. The Weed District will then respond to the voluntary compliance with in ten (10) days depending on manpower restraints.
3. If voluntary compliance is not forthcoming, a notice of noncompliance must be sent to the landowner via certified mail and must specify:

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  Basis of determination of noncompliance
  
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  Location of noncompliance
  
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  Measures to be taken to comply with management criteria set for Dawson County
  
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  Reasonable period of time to comply
  
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  Notify landowner of appeal process
  

4. If a noxious weed infestation is disputed by the landowner, the District shall seek permission from the landowner to enter the land to verify. If after a reasonable effort, the Weed District does not gain cooperation from the landowner, the Weed District may enter the land for inspection purposes. The landowner shall be encouraged to participate in the inspection.

5. A person is in compliance when a weed control management plan or proposal is submitted and accepted by the Weed District. In accepting or rejecting a proposed plan, the Weed Board shall consider the economic impact on the person as well as their neighbors. Buffer zones and containment should be considered if a financial burden could arise from seeking total control. The District shall consider practical biological and environmental limitations. Effective alternative control methods may be used.
6. If corrective action is not taken, or a plan or proposal is not made and accepted within the time specified in the notice of noncompliance, the Weed District may enter upon a person's land and institute any appropriate control measure at the total expense to the landowner. The total costs to the Weed District plus a penalty of 10% will be billed and payable within 30 days. A 1.5% late fee per month will be applied to all balances that are overdue. Follow up treatments may be necessary and will also be at the landowner’s expense.
7. A person adversely affected by any notice, action or order of the Board, may request an administrative hearing before the Weed Board.
8. Any person who interferes with the Weed Board, or its authorized agent, in carrying out the provisions of the weed law, or who refuses to obey an order or notice of the Weed Board, is guilty of a misdemeanor. Upon conviction, an offender shall be sentenced pursuant to 46-18-212 MCA and assessed the costs of weed control provided by the board. A second or subsequent conviction is punishable by a fine of not less than $500 or more than $2,000, plus the costs of weed control provided by the board.