Sanders County Ledger - Your Best Source For Sanders County News

Sanders County Aquatic Plants Task Force (SCAPTF) recently held an open forum to discuss treatment actions planned to counteract the invasion of Eurasian watermilfoil, an aquatic invasive plant discovered in the Noxon Reservoir in 2007.

"Our focus has changed from big beds to public access areas," commented Kim Bergstrom, SCAPTF facilitator, addressing how the treatment areas are going to be concentrated on boat launch areas, private docks and popular fishing spots rather than where large weedy areas exist. As the meeting was taking place, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) were out surveying these areas checking population densities at the launch, dock and fishing sites.

"Based on former techniques, herbicide is the most effective" on destroying the invasive plants, Bergstrom stated, adding that herbicide treatments of these areas as scheduled to take place the first week in August. Public notices will be posted when applications occur, but she reiterated that the herbicide has no effects on swimmer's health.

Avista's Nate Hall commented on the collaboration SCAPTF has had with the state in recognizing the invasive weed problem in Sanders County waterways. "Getting the state on board has been great, they have really helped with analyzing and collecting data." He added that they have "mutual understanding and management goals" for dealing with the problem. "We appreciate that we are a priority."

According to SCAPTF herbicide treatments cost roughly $1,000 per acre, and there is no set funding to support these treatments. Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, FWP, Avista (through the Clark Fork Settlement Agreement) and Army Corps of Engineers have all committed to working with SCAPTF in tackling this ongoing problem through manpower and financial assistance.

"Logistically we will not eradicate these species," Hall stated. But they will be putting forth their best effort in controlling their growth.

"It is a shame more people do not come to these meetings," Sanders County Commissioner Tony Cox said. He feels people may not understand the determinantal impacts these species can have on recreation. The shallow areas and shorelines are where these plants thrive, the same areas where people love to recreate.

A Eurasian watermilfoil management program has been developed by SCAPTF to increase awareness and educate the public. The program includes teaching plant identification and assisting in bottom barrier placement in boat launch and private dock locations to prevent the spread of the plant by fragmentation. As most of the shoreline is Avista property, they require a permit to place barriers in these areas.

The Task Force was established in 2008 and is comprised of members representing MSU Extension, Avista Utilities, Green Mountain Conservation District, the Noxon-Cabinet Shoreline Coalition, Sanders County Weed District, FWP, the public and private industries, Montana BASS Federation, Confederate Salish and Kootenai Tribes, U.S. Forest Service and NorthWestern Energy.

More information on the treatment areas, invasive plant population densities and what you can do to help can be found by visiting http://www.sanderscountyais.com or by contacting Bergstrom at (406) 546-2447 or emailing [email protected]. For information on bottom barrier placement permitting contact Avista at (406) 847-1283.