FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Agencies Unite to Battle Invasive Weed Species in Polk County

January 11, 2009 --

Chaired by Polk County Agricultural and Drainage Inspector, Jody Beauchane, agencies including the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Pembina Trail RC&D, East and West Polk County Soil and Water Conservation Districts, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Minnesota Extension, Farm Service Agency, The Nature Conservancy, and Minnesota Department of Transportation have joined to form the Polk County Cooperative Weed Management Area (PCCWMA).  The purpose of the PCCWMA is to work cooperatively to reduce the economic and environmental impacts that invasive plant species have on lands in the County.   Representatives from these agencies are focusing on cooperative partnerships with policies, funding opportunities and time committed to reduce invasive weed species in Polk County.   The overall objectives are on public education and mapping and control of invasive species with the specific goal to prevent, reduce and eliminate weeds through the use of chemical, mechanical and biological efforts to achieve success.

The formation of Cooperative Weed Management Areas is not a new concept.  From Washington to New York, state federal, local and private land managers have worked together to combat invasive plants.  The idea is to join forces to combat a problem that is affecting everyone.    Invasive species threatens cropland by reducing yields, pastures by lowering weight gain in livestock and native habitats by reducing productivity of native fauna and flora.   

In 2008 the PCCWMA focused on development of a purpose statement and the drafting of a memorandum of understanding.   On the ground accomplishments included: increased surveillance for mapping invasive weed problems focusing on existing sites and new invasive weeds coming into the County, pooling funds for chemical purchase needed for County sprayers to increase coverage, field trips to discuss biological control methods, grant funding for township involvement and specific site control of over 10 invasive plant species.  Polk County officials also approved the purchase of a new spray truck with GPS/GIS capabilities to assist with this new concept in combating weeds.

In 2009 it is hopeful that the Memorandum of Understanding will be finalized and signed by all participating agencies.  Other goals for 2009 include: increase in the number of agencies participating in the PCCWMA, organization of public meetings to disseminate information about invasive weed control, township and landowner assistance with invasive weed control, and greater efficiency with controlling weeds. 

“While this won’t solve all our weed problems, it certainly helps when we are all working together,” states Jody Beauchane.  “It’s nice to know that there are others out in the field working towards a common goal,” Beauchane added.   Please be watchful for other information about the PCCWMA.  If you would like more information or would like to get involved, please contact Jody Beauchane at (218) 281-3952.

For More Information Contact:

Pembina Trail RC&D
2605 Wheat Drive, Red Lake Falls, MN 56750
Tel: (218) 253-2646 Ext. 4
FAX: (218) 253-4112
Internet: pembina@yahoo.com

The Pembina Trail (RC&D ) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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Last modified: 09/16/09