2011 issue 2, missoula conservation district newsletter
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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
!
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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