2023-02-21 WSU Weed UpdateWSU / Weed Update
February 21, 2023
11:31 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Swope, Commissioner Brummer, Charles Edmondson, Gary Fredricks, Nic Scott,
Jason Adams
Guest(s): None
Recorder: Tammy Martin
Charles Edmonson said there has been a delay to return to the building due to construction delays. He
said there have been knotweed surveys. He said funding depends on the need for treatment. He said
they are currently surveying for purple loosetrife. They are working with botanists from the Forest
Service to mitigate a larger outbreak. Charles said there are approximately 250 tansy cases they are
tracking as well. He said there will be another free tansy disposal day as well as more outreach.
Charles said they recently hired a new field specialist. He said he is hoping to hire two field technicians,
but that is delayed due to lack of office space.
Charles said there will be a fee charged to verify fields have a weed free status. This affects those selling
hay designated as weed free. He said the charge will be $2 for each acre of designation. Charles said two
separate cases of mill foil were spotted at Mineral Lake. He said Plumber Lake received approval for
treatment of elodea. There was also an outbreak of poison hemlock near the Willapa Hills trail area.
Charles has a local area weed list that will be his focus for 2023. These also include new enforcement
guidelines. Charles said common tansy was undesignated this year and tree of heaven has a large
infestation in Centralia they will be treating.
Gary Fredricks said they would like to focus on landscaping around the area county buildings. There are
some ideas to create consistency of landscaping.
Jason Adams talked about the storm water education site. The purpose of storm water drainage around
the county buildings is to help mitigate urban flooding. Jason said it has been nice to work with Weed.
He said it’s been a great collaboration to help Lewis County constituents. Jason said the WSU extension
office has created a lunch time learning program to talk about random topics that have included bio
solids, composting and gardening. He said there are approximately 24 programs available to the public
scheduled for the 2023 year. Jason said he is passionate about food security and helping people become
self-sufficient. He is looking to create a volunteer community garden. Jason said there are Master
Gardner classes that meet for training every third Thursday of the month.
Meeting adjourned 11:57 a.m.