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October 2015

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Welcome to the Teton County Weed and Pest District newsletter! We plan on updating subscribers monthly on useful information pertaining to Mosquitoes and Invasive Species.
This is our last issue for 2015! Have a wonderful and safe holiday season and look for our newsletter to start up in April 2016.
In this edition you will find information regarding:
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Scientist Finds Promising Management Tool for Cheatgrass
By Lesley Beckworth - Invasive Species Program Coordinator
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Controlling infestations of cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) can be both expensive and labor intensive. Currently, there are very few herbicides on the market for cheatgrass control, none of which provide selective control options. However, Ann Kennedy, a research scientist at Washington State, has isolated a bacterial strain that shows promise in aiding in cheatgrass management.
 The bacterium (Pseudomonas fluorescens) is naturally occurring in the soil and is already in use in agricultural settings. Dr. Kennedy found that when P. fluorescens is present in the soil, cheatgrass loses its competitive edge allowing native species to revegetate the area. P. fluorescens has not been found to affect any native species. Instead, the bacteria secrete a chemical that binds into the roots of cheatgrass and limits the plant's ability to uptake nutrients while allowing native species to thrive. As the bacteria build up in the soil over the following years, increasing impact on the cheatgrass infestation occurs. With the addition of low rates of herbicides, cheatgrass infestations face more rapid declines. A company in Idaho has started the process rearing the bacteria for use as a bioherbicide which is currently being evaluated by the EPA. Pending this approval, applications of the bioherbicide could begin as early as October 2016. TCWP is very excited at the prospect of adding this bioherbicide to our arsenal for cheatgrass control. Source
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Play Clean Go in the SNOW!
By Amy Collett, Marketing and Education Coordinator
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Temperatures are dropping and snow will soon blanket our landscape covering up most of the vegetation for the winter. However, some of them remain tall and full of seeds waiting for an animal or skier to brush by to take them somewhere new. Just when you thought you got a break from invasive species, think again. Even during the winter it is a good practice to Play Clean and Go!
Many of the invasive species that we work so hard to kill are also very strong and withstand the weight of the snow. Musk thistle, spotted knapweed, and our biggest hitchhiker; houndstongue are a few of those to keep an eye out for while enjoying your favorite winter sports. Please remember to Play Clean and Go all year around to do your part reducing the spread of invasive species.
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1% for the Tetons, Grant Award |
TCWP would like to give a huge Thank You to 1% for the Tetons for funding an Early Detection, Rapid Response grant in the Teton range!
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Winterizing Herbicides and Equipment
By Travis Ziehl, Assistant Supervisor
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1. Read the labels of herbicides applied to determine how to dispose of any left over product, or if there are any special instructions that might be necessary. -Most herbicides recommend storage above 32 degrees Fahrenheit. -Store chemicals in a spill proof container (plastic, metal, NO Wood), to allow for clean up if a spill occurs.
2. Disposal of herbicide containers -Herbicide containers can be recycled, but must be triple rinsed. -If you have leftover herbicide that must be disposed of, contact the Jackson Community Recycling Center or call 733-7678 3. Rinse sprayer to remove any left over product that may be in or on the sprayer. -Be sure to select a rinse site that is in accordance to the label as to not contaminate water supplies, streams, or cause damage to desired vegetation.
4. Clean tanks inside and out to remove any further residue. -Rinse again using precautions above
5. Inspect all hoses, valves, fittings, nozzles, screens, pumps and engines for needed repairs.
6. Store Add antifreeze (RV grade) to tank and allow to circulate through system in order to coat all components. This prevents any water from freezing in critical areas (valves, pumps, etc). -Of course, inside storage away from the abuse of the elements is preferred.
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Remember to Feed Weed Free!
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This is a friendly reminder that Teton County, Wyoming has a quarantine against the entry of any infested farm products like straw, hay, and feed. This is in place to reduce the spread and costs of invasive species. Help stop the spread!
As September rolls around and hunting season starts many folks are in need of certified hay. The District maintains a list of producers that raise certified weed free forage and it is available by contacting our office at
733-8419.
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October 1 - May 1st Office Hours: Tuesday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
October 21st - Teton Conservation District Cost Share program landowner completed reimbursement forms must be received by Teton County Weed and Pest by October 21st, 2015 (no exceptions).
October 19-22nd - North American Invasive Species Management Association meeting in Vancouver, BC
October 27th - TCWP monthly board meeting at the TCWP District office at 6 pm.
November 2-5th - Wyoming Weed & Pest Council Conference in conjunction with Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts & Wyoming Society for Range Management in Laramie, WY
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Thank you for subscribing to the Teton County Weed and Pest District Newsletter. We hope that you find the information useful! If there are any topics that would be of interest to you, please email me your suggestions.
Sincerely,
Amy Collett Teton County Weed and Pest District 7575 S. Hwy 89 Jackson, WY 83001 307-733-8419
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