Loading...
2024-11-18 WSU Weed UpdateWSU / Weed Update November 18, 2024 10:14 a.m. Present: Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, County Manager Ryan Barrett, Charles Edmonson, Amanda Musser Guest(s): Paul Crowner, Tim Wood Recorder: Tammy Martin Charles Edmonson said there have been several hundred infestations of noxious weeds. This accounted for nearly 5 tons of tansy being disposed. Charles said his department is focusing on purple loosestrife and elodea. Charles said there is a new infestation in Cowlitz County of bighead knapweed that they are closely watching. While gearing up for winter, surveying has begun for next year’s plan of action. Charles said Mineral Lake was treated for Eurasian Milfoil and that Plummer Lake had a delayed treatment due to the delay of grant funding but will resume in the spring of 2025. Charles said he is working on language changes for the ordinance surrounding the public lands assessment fee. Commissioner Brummer said the formula for assessing the fees could become burdensome for timber owners if not done properly. Amanda Musser with WSU said the SNAP-ED program provides food access programs to those in need. Amanda said she does promotion at farmers markets. Amanda said food courses promote healthy food options. Amanda said there is a food bank coalition with nine food bank locations. Amanda said with the new food bank in Packwood and in Toledo, access to food is becoming more available in rural locations. Amanda said SNAP-ED applied for the Farm-to-food Pantry grant provided by the Washington State Department of Agriculture to help the coalition receive funding to purchase produce from local area farms. They were able to purchase of 6,000 pounds of produce. Meeting adjourned 10:34 a.m.