2023-05-16 WSU-Weed UpdateWSU / Weed Update
May 16, 2023
11:31 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, Jason Adams, Gary Fredricks, Charles
Edmonson, Nic Scott, Gary Gorremans
Guest(s):
Recorder: Tammy Martin
Charles Edmonson said the purple loostrife funding is an informal and tentative agreement.
Charles said they will begin office transition May 19 to the newly remodeled location. Charles said he
believes they have found the furthest most upstream outbreak of knotweed near Pe Ell. They are
looking for solutions to treat the noxious weed. Charles said Weed is looking for other outbreaks further
upstream.
Charles said they are continuing weed control in the Gifford Pinchot National Forrest. This is for support
in the rock quarries.
Charles said there were many different outreach training programs for weed control and that he is
looking forward to continuing the partnership for the future. Charles said they are looking to remove
more tansy ragwort. There were three sites in Lewis County that allowed for disposal last year that
garnered 3.8 tons of tansy ragwort. Charles says a similar event will be planned for 2023. Charles said
the goal is to eradicate tansy ragwort before it flowers.
The Commissioners recommended looking into ways to address water stratification preventing weed
control in Centralia lakes.
Commissioner Brummer asked why knapweed was not susceptible to 2-4-D. Charles figures it has do
with plant structure and the absorption of the herbicide. Sometimes, the timing of applications may
affect weeds differently.
Gary Fredricks said there was a nice group meeting with the Master gardeners.
Gary said he just finished up the larger livestock program finished up and he is looking at creating a
“Living on the Land” program for the fall. Gary said there will be a Master food saving program as well.
Gary is looking to provide resources or ideas to help overcome those that farm with disabilities. Gary
said the suicide rate for farmers is 40% higher than previous years and is hoping to provide resources
ideas.
Jason Adams said he is currently enrolled in the Master Gardener program. Jason said his goal is to
continue education outreach. Jason said there have been 14 programs this year and there is still a wide
variety of workshops remaining for the year. Classes include recycling, composting, and how to start
seeds. Jason said he is always looking for volunteers. Jason said the after-school garden program will
continue this year. Jason said the plant clinic is open Monday-Wednesday, from 9-3. Commissioner
Pollock suggested reaching out to the Randle Timberland Regional Library (TRL) for additional Master
Gardener sites. Jason said the partnerships with Master composters, master gardeners and master food
preservers are vital. Jason said there will be a worm composting class at the Sulkum TRL location.
Jason said working with the youth offers educational learning. Jason said WSU will be doing a waste
audit with Centralia Christian School to build awareness with composting and recycling. Jason said this
saves money on garbage service fees.
Jason said the sustainability fair was well received. There were electrical safety and plumbing
demonstrations as well. Jason said he would like to bring back the horticultural training course and will
provide updates when available.
Commissioner Pollock inquired about Styrofoam recycling and Jason said new requirements prohibit the
recycling.
Charles said he has an opening for a veteran intern. Commissioner Pollock asked about 4-H and Gary
said the 4-H coordinator will be available for the next update.
Meeting ended 12:18 p.m.