2011 issue 2, missoula conservation district newsletter

8/3/2019 2011 Issue 2, Missoula Conservation District Newsletter

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Inside This Issue

Cheat Grass Disturb it, and It Will

Come Page 2 & 3

Establish & Maintain a Riparian Buffer to

Avoid Future Flooding &

Streambank Erosion Problems Pages 4-6

Missoula County High School

Envirothon Results

Page 7

Missoula Conservation District Sponsors

Missoula County Weed District

“Leave No Weeds” DNRC Education Mini-Grant

Steffany Rogge with a Group of 5th

Graders

The Missoula County Weed District has been offering the “Leave No Weeds”

program for 10 years to the Missoula County 5 th grade school children with the

goal of fostering well educated land stewards in the future. The curriculumspotlights the importance of healthy plant communities and the problems

associated with the invasion of noxious weeds into these systems. The program

focuses on the environmental effects, control & management of noxious weeds wi

the emphasis on integrated weed management techniques.

Missoula Conservation District has provided funding for the programs for severa

years, with fiscal year 2011 being the 1 st year the District sponsored a DNRC

Education Mini-Grant. The Education Mini Grant will provide funding for busing

for 5 fieldtrips. This year 16 Missoula County schools took part in the “Leave No

Weeds” program with a total of 846 st udents & 33 teacher/advisors taking

advantage of this education program.

District

Cost-Share

Applications

Due in the

office

Se tember 1

st

!



Cheatgrass: Disturb It, And It Will Come

Cheatgrass, Bromus tectorum, has exploded acrossWestern Montana in the past few years. With no

natural enemies, this alien invasive grass is extremely

difficult to control. Everything seems to favor itsspread … drought, fire, and any form of soil

disturbance.

Labeled “cheatgrass” by farmers and ranchers, because

it “cheats” landowners out of the full value of their landby displacing native plants, reducing biodiversity and

spreading fires.

Origins: Native to the Mediterranean region. In

Europe, its original habitat was the decaying straw of

thatched roofs. “Tectum” is Latin for roof, hence the

name Bromus tectorum, “brome of the roofs”.Introduced in packing materials, ship ballast and as a

contaminant of crop seed, cheatgrass was first found in

the United State near Denver, Colorado in the late

1800’s. In Montana, cheatgrass was first reported in1898 in Missoula County, and by 1980 every county in

the state had reported its presence.

It is currently present in all 50 of the United States, all

of the Canadian provinces and parts of Mexico. It is

most prevalent in regions where the annual rainfall isbetween 6 – 22 inches. Bromus tectorum is on the

noxious weed lists of at least 35 states.

Life Cycle: Annual plants such as cheatgrass grow

from a seed, flower, set seed, and die each year.

Cheatgrass is considered a winter annual because itusually germinates in the fall and grows rapidly until

cold temperatures arrive. Germination may occur in

spring, as well. Growth can continue through the

winter, especially in the root system. In early spring,cheatgrass seedlings resume growth (before our native

grass species, stealing soil moisture and nutrients),

produce seeds and die sometime between mid July andearly August. This makes it extremely competitive.

Injury to Animals: For livestock and pets, these tinand troublesome weed seeds can cause severeinflammation and infection. Cheatgrass seed heads

have microscopic one-way barbs that allow theseed to work its way into animal fur, skin, canalsand mucous membranes— and keep the seed fro working out again.

Cheatgrass Seeds in Animals’ Ears and Feet Cause Irritation and

Infection

Cheatgrass Hitch-Hikers – Think about where you throw all those

weed seeds you just picked out of your clothes or pet.

In Montana, cheatgrass is listed as Priority 3

Regulated Plants: (NOT MONTANA LISTED

NOXIOUS WEEDS) these regulated plants have

the potential to have significant negative impacts.

The plant may not be intentionally spread or sold

other than as a contaminant in agricultural

products. The state recommends research,

education and prevention to minimize the spread

of the regulated plant.



Cheatgrass and Wildfire: Dry cheatgrass is probably

the most easily ignitable vegetation on grasslands andthe forest understory. A dense stand of cheatgrass

growing within 30 feet of your home is a fire hazard.

This weed can produce more than 10,000 plants/sq.yd.

Cheatgrass increases fire intensity and decreases the intervals

between fires.

After a fire, cheatgrass invasion is enhanced, as it

quickly occupies the newly disturbed sites, getting a

head start on the existing recovering plant species. If you had some cheatgrass before a fire, you will have

more cheatgrass after a fire.

Control of Cheatgrass: Cheatgrass can be controlledmechanically, biologically, chemically, or by applying

fire under controlled conditions. The best results

usually come from a combination of some or all of these techniques. The key to eradicating cheatgrass is

diligence – once you begin the process you must be

persistent and continue follow up treatments for up to

4-5 years.

Mechanical Treatments: Hand pulling – during

spring and fall; repeat when new plants appear;

effective in small areas only.

Disking/tilling (live plants) – spring and fall before the

seed heads turn purple; repeat when new plants appear;use disk, rototiller, spike-tooth harrow, etc.

Disking/tilling (seeds) – once in late spring before

seeding with desirable species in the fall; bury seeds at

least three inches deep to prevent germination.

Mowing – not recommended as a long-term control

technique as seed may be produced by mown plants.

Biological Treatments - Livestock grazing – graze,

very heavily, twice in early in spring (approximatelythree weeks apart) when the grass is green but prior to

seed formation; repeat for at least two years.

Chemical Treatments: A few chemical formulations

exist, such as Plateau or Roundup that may control oreven eradicate cheatgrass. However, before using any

chemical make sure that the herbicide label lists

cheatgrass; if it is not listed, do not use. No oneherbicide will control all weed species. Combinations

of herbicides may be required for control. As always,

follow all instructions on the label. For more

assistance with chemical cheatgrass control, contactyour county weed office or your local Montana State

University Extension office.

Controlled Burning Treatment – late spring and

summer; controlled burning has associated risks whichshould be addressed in a prescribed burn plan. If not

done correctly, prescribed burns may escape contr

and become wildfires, produce smoke that impairs

visibility on highways or impacts individuals with

respiratory problems, and may cause damage to

desirable vegetation. In Missoula County, we oftenhave prohibited burning days. Contact Missoula City

County Health Department for a burning permit and

local burning regulations prior to burning.

Revegetate/Reseed Following Cheatgrass Control -

Once controlled, revegetate/reseed the area following

treatment with desirable vegetation or cheatgrass will

reestablish. Cheatgrass is an opportunity plant…don’give it the opportunity.

Fence line Contrast – Native Range in Good Condition (Upper Field

Poor Condition (Lower Field) Full of Cheatgrass

Headed Out and Ready to Drop Seed

Good Reference Sites:

Montana Weed Control Association:www.mtweed.org

Montana Noxious Weed Program:http://agr.mt.gov/weedpest/noxiousweeds.asp

Submitted by: Tara Comfort, Resource Conservationist,

Missoula Conservation District

http://www.mtweed.org/


http://agr.mt.gov/weedpest/noxiousweeds.asp






Establish and Maintain a Riparian Buffer Now to Avoid FutureFlooding & Streambank Erosion Problems

Everyone has heard the adage “An ounce of prevention is

worth a pound of cure” this quote by Benjamin Franklin

could not be truer this spring with the ominous threat of

streambank failures because of raging flood waters.

Water holds a kind of magic for people, it calms us, it lifts

us, and ultimately it sustains us. You can just imagine a

crisp autumn morning, or a lazy summer afternoon along

Montana’s creeks, streams and rivers; we like to plan our

escape along the stream banks….careful planning and

implantation of stream bank vegetation measures will help

insure the healthy banks along the streams of your

imagination.

Rattlesnake Creek-Missoula, MT

Some stream bank erosion is natural – people cannot stop

erosion-they can only speed it up or slow it down. It is thenature of streams and rivers to move, and there is no

guarantee for the success of any erosion control and/or

vegetative bank stabilization project. Each erosion site is

unique and presents a variety of factors that play a role in

the situation. Therefore, technical assistance coupled with

an organized and well planned approach can help you as a

property owner to set realistic goals should you decide to

attempt a stabilization project.

Riparian areas or buffers are the “green zones” of water-

loving vegetation found along streams, rivers, and lakes.

The width of the riparian area along with the variety of

vegetative species depends on the size and flow of the

stream as well as the predominant land use. For example

agricultural, recreational, rural urbanization-building &

residential structure protection.

Streams and riparian areas are held together by a diversity

of vegetation with strong, deep root systems. This

vegetation reduces the velocity of a stream, by slowing

water down through friction. The more vigorous and den

the plants are, the better the streambank protection they

provide.

The best vegetation for stabilizing soils and protecting

stream banks are woody species (trees & shrubs). The

many branches and extensive root systems of woody

species are especially effective in the development of

overhanging banks, which provide cover and shade for fish

and other aquatic organisms. When the deep, binding roo

of shrubs and trees are absent, shallow-rooted grasses

cannot withstand substantial erosion forces.

While rock riprap (hard armoring) was once the solution o

choice, today’s professionals, permitting agencies, and

property owners alike favor vegetative stabilization, with o

without rock at the base or “toe”. These methods offer th

most benefit in stabilizing banks and reducing

sedimentation from erosion, while minimizing adverse

impacts upon the stream ecosystem and downstream

property.



Dalton Mountain Road-Lincoln, MT

The most cost-effective approach by far is to avoid setting

up an erosion-prone situation in the 1st place. Avoid

building in the floodplain and locating roads and access

away from waterways. Keep animals and heavy equipment

off the banks and respect the riparian buffer. Maintain

deep rooted trees and shrubs and sod-forming, deep-rootedherbaceous species such as grasses and sedges that protect

the streambank. Do not replace the riparian species with

lawn. Lawn grass species, such as Kentucky bluegrass, are

shallow-rooted and provide very limited soil and bank

holding capacity. The streambank is no longer able to

withstand spring runoff and erosion will occur.

Stream Restoration Project in SW Montana

Take careful inventory of your property before, not after

the next flood, to check for under-sized culverts or other

potential erosion sites to avoid hastily-designed (and costly)

emergency repairs that are not well suited to the stream.

How to get started:First: It is important to realize that each stream and stream

segment has its own unique qualities. Before you select a

streambank stabilization project, take the time to analyze

and understand the cause of the problem you intend to

address.

Second: Ask for advice. Contact your local Conservation

District or the Natural Resource Conservation Service

(NRCS) for more information about streambank erosion

problems, stabilization procedures, and availability of plan

materials. Talk to your upstream and downstream

neighbors about the erosion conditions. Frequently, it is

necessary to assess a long length of stream to fully

understand the problem and develop a lasting solution.

Third: there are many state, local, and federal laws andordinances that may apply to your streambank stabilizatio

project. Be sure to check with all appropriate agencies

before beginning any land/stream bank disturbing activitie

particularly those adjacent to or in a stream.

(For a listing of these agencies go to www.missoulacd.org

dnrc.mt.gov/permits/streampermitting/default.asp)

Finally: Consider that any work you do on a stream may

affect people upstream and downstream. Your property i

only a small part of the overall stream and watershed

system.

If you take the time to carefully plan your project, taking

into account the factors that influence the behavior of the

stream, you are more likely to be rewarded with a

successful solution to the streambank erosion and floodin

problem.

Planning & Carrying out Your Project:

Careful thought, planning & execution will be required to

assure that your streambank project is done efficiently an

correctly. Some steps in planning & carrying out your

project are as follows:

1. Identify the cause & nature of the problem.

2. Contact your local government & other permittin

agencies.

3. Evaluate alternatives & select appropriate

measures which apply to specific problems &

address the environmental benefits.

4. Determine when you will do the project.

5. Be prepared to maintain your project. Inspect th

final project regularly, particularly after heavyrains and high flows, as well as ice jams damage,

and make necessary repairs and vegetative

plantings as soon as possible.

Managing & Maintaining VegetativeStreambank Stabilization:

Managing streambank vegetation for erosion control is

considerably less expensive than repairing the streambank

due to erosion and flooding. It is important to take steps t

prevent the erosion from occurring. Preservation and

http://www.missoulacd.org/






protection of the native vegetation community is an

important key to streambank protection.

Woody vegetation usually is the best streambank stabilizer;

every effort should be made to maintain existing trees and

shrubs. These plants will lessen the impact of rain directly

on the soil, will trap sediment from adjacent land & will

hold the soil in place with their root structures thereby,

forming a root mat that stabilizes and reinforces the soil on

the streambank. Plants also enhance the appearance of thestream and serve as wildlife habitat. Trees provide

additional benefits by shading the stream to maintain the

lower summertime water temperatures which are

necessary for a healthy aquatic population. They prevent

the channel from being choked by sun-loving vegetation like

rushes and reeds, or nuisance algae.

Here is a list of maintenance and riparian managing

practices:

1. Maintain an undisturbed riparian buffer zone on

both sides of the stream. This area needs the

protection of a permanent vegetative cover.

2. Restrict stream access, construction, and animal

grazing within the buffer zone. Use best

management practices (BMP’s) for agricultural &

forestry activities.

Maintain an undisturbed riparian corridor (filter

strip) next to the stream. Keep livestock off the

streambank. Fencing and water gaps can be used

to prevent livestock from damaging streambanks.

Grazing can compact the soil, decreasing

infiltration, percolation, & soil aeration that can

lead to destruction of plants and plant habitat, andincreased runoff & sedimentation.

3. Do Not Straighten Channels.

This procedure is never effective in controlling

erosion (also not an allowed/permitted practice

under the 310 Law). Past experience has shown

that channel straightening will simply change the

location & nature of the erosion problem and will

usually make the problem worse due to increased

velocity and downstream impact.

4. Plant vegetation. Where existing vegetation is

sparse, planting site specific native plants can beless expensive, offer higher survival rates, and give

more protection than ornamental or non-native

plants. Native self-maintaining perennial species

can be selected & planted using guidelines

developed by local nurseries and state and

government run nurseries.

Managing and maintain the riparian buffer is the key to

success of your streambank stabilization and erosion

control project. Inspect & evaluate regularly and replant

when necessary. When appropriately used and properly

installed and maintained, vegetative systems usually

provide the best, longest, and most cost effective erosion

and stabilization protection. These techniques are relative

inexpensive, can be implemented by landowners, provide

environmental benefits such as habitat for fish & wildlife,

and are aesthetically pleasing.

Stream with a healthy riparian area

Help is Available to Missoula County LanOwners:

Missoula County landowners can participate in 2

programs to assist with riparian planting and bank

stabilization projects:

Missoula Conservation District Riparian Planting

$500Mini-Grants

With the CD’s public education outreach on maintaining a

healthy riparian area, and increasing development alongstream & rivers throughout Missoula Co., the Missoula CD hafunded this mini-grant program to promote, maintain, &restore riparian areas along the county’s streams & rivers.

Applications are on-going as money is available. For more

information go to our website at: www.missoulacd.org .

Missoula Conservation District

2012 Cost-Share ProgramMissoula Conservation District offers a cost-share program fnatural resource improvement within Missoula County. Tmaximum cost-share funding allowed per project is $5,00Cost-Share rates: District – 75% maximum provided by tMissoula CD (with set maximum cost allowed per practic Applicant – 25% minimum provided by applicant. Applicaportion can be in the form of cash, in-kind services (i.e. laboor from other conservation cost-share programs. Applicatiofor 2012 funding are due in the District office by 5pSeptember 1, 2011.

For more information go to our website at: www.missoulacd.o

Submitted by: Lori Zeiser, Administrative Assistant- Missoula CD










Missoula Area Schools Stand-Out at 2011

Montana Envirothon Competition Missoula Conservation District sponsored 7 Teams to the 2011 Montana Envirothon Competition in Lewistown, MT April 18 th & 19 th .

Missoula FFA Team #22 – “Finals” Oral Presentation

35 students representing Big Sky High School,Hellgate High School, Missoula County FFA,and 1st time participants, Sentinel High School,and their Coach/Advisors – Kathleen Kennedy,Big Sky High School, Darcy Hover & Eric Ojala,Hellgate High School, & Tom Andres, Missoula County FFA & Sentinel High School attended and competed for scholarships and a trip to the Canon Envirothon North America competition to be held in New Brunswick,Canada July 24 th -29 th .

Hellgate High School Team #21 – “Finals” Oral Presentation

The 5 student teams compete as a team on

written tests and an oral presentation in Aquatic, Range, Wildlife, Soils, Forestry, and one current environmental issue, which changes annually. This year’s current issuewas “ Salt & Fresh Wa ter Estuaries”. Since Montana is land locked an emphasis was placed on wetland restoration in the oral presentation.

The Envirothon was established as a competitive, problem-solving, natural resourcevent for high school students to challenge them about the environment.

The Envirothon uses the outdoors as an alternative to classroom learning. In this natural setting, students become aware of themany environmental problems that exist todaWorking as a team, they learn to use critical thinking and problem solving skills to arrive asolutions to specific environmental problems

Hellgate High School Team #21 – 1st

Place Over-All Test Scores & 2

nd Place over All – each student on this team wil

receive a $300 college/university scholarship

Missoula FFA Team #22 – 3 rd

Place Over-All and 1st

Place FF

Missoula FFA Team #23 – 3 rd

Place FFA



The public is always invited to the meetings of the Conservation District. Meetings are held on

the 2 nd

Monday of each month at the District office, 3550 Mullan Road, Ste. 106, at 7 PM

DISTRICT BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Tim Hall, ChairmanLibby Maclay, Vice-ChairmanRichard Ramberg, Treasurer

Robert SchroederSidney WillsArt Pencek

Rob Roberts

ASSOCIATE SUPERVISORS

Greg Martinsen

All MCD & NRCS Programs are offered on aNONDISCRIMINATORY basis without REGARD TO RACE,

COLOR, NATION OF ORIGIN, RELIGION, SEX, AGE,MARITAL STATUS, or DISABILITY

MISSOULA CONSERVATION DIASTRICT

EMPLOYEES

Tara Comfort . . . . . . . . . . District AdministratoLori Zeiser . . . . . . . . . . AdministrativeAssistant

Natural Resources Conservation Service

Area/Field Office Staff Craig Engelhard . . . . . . . Assistant State ConservationJohn Bowe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . District Conservation

John Blaine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Resource ConservationSusan Sakaye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Soil ConservationMark Zuber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Senior Civil EngineKristine Handley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Civil EngineChad Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Civil Engineer TechniciaJay Brooker. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Soil ScientiMona Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Administrative SpecialiPat Lauridson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BiologiWalter Lujan . . . . . .. . . . . .Range Management SpecialiJulie Sacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Resource ConservationiJay Skovlin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Soil SurveBeth Rowley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Soil Surve

2011 issue 2, missoula conservation district newsletter

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