Kinnikinnick Chapter Of The Idaho Native Plant Society

August 28th, 2006

Leslie Marshall Re: Eurasian Milfoil Plan  RESPONSES ARE BELOW in Colored Text

The Kinnikinnick Chapter of the INPS has watched the controversy over chemical treatment of Eurasian Milfoil. We supported Rep. Anderson's request to the legislature for monies for treatment when the course of treatment was unspecified but the need for control was obvious.

We attempt to base our comments on issues using documented science and direct them specifically to native plant ecosystems. We are interested in receiving information from your efforts and research that will enable us to participate constructively within our area of knowledge.

• 1. Before treatment began, the Bonner County Public Works Department indicated that one or two years of chemical treatment should enable the County to avoid the further use of chemicals. Since control of Milfoil will extend well beyond this year, we would like to receive a copy of the 2007 treatment plan and your multi-year action plan, including how the county proposes to limit the spread and re-introduction. If this plan does not yet exist by what date will it be developed and what information will it contain?  We are in the process of establishing a Bonner County Milfoil Task Force Committee to review, investigate and recommend methods of treatment to control Eurasian Milfoil.  Through education and possible wash stations at public and private launch areas we hope to limit the spread.  It is our belief if we can keep the infestations to small amounts we will not have to use herbicide but when dealing with a large number of infested acres currently there does not appear to be a better control method.
• 2. How will you track success of treatment and what has your tracking information shown on the initial success of this treatment? We will annually conduct mapping of the milfoil locations and their size.  We have sent divers down in treatment areas and taken photos of the results.  We have visually, by boat, inspected the treated areas.  In both cases the milfoil is either dead or dying.  The treatment areas where Sonar PR was used is still reacting and slowly dying.  We will be completing aerial photos in November to compare to last year’s documentation.
• 3. What has your further research shown on the secondary effects of current treatment, and how long will you track these effects? To date we have not seen any secondary effects.  During the treatment period there were a few calls regarding people feeling ill or breaking out but according to Panhandle Health no actual documented cases of any herbicide related effects.  There were also the same reports before we ever treated with an herbicide.  No fish or bird impacts reported, although there were three reports (all in different areas) of dead fish before we applied the herbicide.
• 4. Several non-chemical treatment options exist. What results has your research shown about their efficacy and applicability to our county waters? How do you intend to integrate non-chemical treatment options into your long-term plans? The Bonner County Milfoil Task Force will address these issues.
• 5. What source(s) of funding will enable the County to ensure long-term success against Eurasian Milfoil? The State Legislature is addressing this issue by exploring the possibility of adding a invasive species fee on to the boating registrations.
• 6. What plans do you have for public education/cooperation with local communities and groups? I think the task force will help with this issue.
• 7. With what other agencies (governmental and private) are you working now and in the future for this project?  Department of Ag, Department of Lands, DEQ, Idaho Fish and Game, US Fish and Wildlife, US Corps of Engineers, Tri State Council, PEL, ICL, SCWMA, Lakes Commission, Bonner County Waterways Advisory Board, Bonner County Noxious Weed Advisory Board, and any other group

The community, as should be expected, has shown a great deal of interest and anxiety on this issue. Any treatment process, particularly of this magnitude, has an impact on the natural environment and the people living there. Since control of milfoil is a multi-year project, we ask that you clearly involve civic and volunteer groups in your planning, monitoring and prevention strategies. This community has a considerable amount of expertise in plant and ecological systems and desires to contribute towards the education and control of this threat.

Thank you,

Phil Hough, President Kinnikinnick Chapter Idaho Native Plant Society

CC: Bonner County Commissioners: Marcia Phillips, Joe Young, Karl Dye Eric Anderson Sharon Sorby