2011 Issue 2, Missoula Conservation District Newsletter

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Inside This Issue

Missoula Conservation District Sponsors Missoula County Weed District “Leave No Weeds” DNRC Education Mini-Grant

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

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 5th grade school children with the goal of fostering well educated land stewards in the future. The curriculum spotlights 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 with the emphasis on integrated weed management techniques. Missoula Conservation District has provided funding for the programs for several years, with fiscal year 2011 being the 1st 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 students & 33 teacher/advisors taking advantage of this education program.

Page 7

District Cost-Share Applications Due in the office September 1st!

Cheatgrass: Disturb It, And It Will Come
from a seed, flower, set seed, and die each year. Cheatgrass is considered a winter annual because it usually 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 and early August. This makes it extremely competitive.

Cheatgrass, Bromus tectorum, has exploded across Western Montana in the past few years. With no natural enemies, this alien invasive grass is extremely difficult to control. Everything seems to favor its spread … 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 land by 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 in 1898 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 is between 6 – 22 inches. Bromus tectorum is on the noxious weed lists of at least 35 states. Life Cycle: Annual plants such as cheatgrass grow 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.

Injury to Animals: For livestock and pets, these tiny and troublesome weed seeds can cause severe inflammation and infection. Cheatgrass seed heads have microscopic one-way barbs that allow the seed to work its way into animal fur, skin, canals and mucous membranes — and keep the seed from 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.

Cheatgrass and Wildfire: Dry cheatgrass is probably the most easily ignitable vegetation on grasslands and the 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.

Chemical Treatments: A few chemical formulations exist, such as Plateau or Roundup that may control or even eradicate cheatgrass. However, before using any chemical make sure that the herbicide label lists cheatgrass; if it is not listed, do not use. No one herbicide 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, contact your county weed office or your local Montana State University Extension office. Controlled Burning Treatment – late spring and summer; controlled burning has associated risks which should be addressed in a prescribed burn plan. If not done correctly, prescribed burns may escape control 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 often have 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’t give it the opportunity.

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 controlled mechanically, 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 (approximately three weeks apart) when the grass is green but prior to seed formation; repeat for at least two years.

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

Establish and Maintain a Riparian Buffer Now to Avoid Future Flooding & 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. 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 dense the plants are, the better the streambank protection they provide.

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 the nature 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 waterloving vegetation found along streams, rivers, and lakes.

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 roots of shrubs and trees are absent, shallow-rooted grasses cannot withstand substantial erosion forces. While rock riprap (hard armoring) was once the solution of choice, today’s professionals, permitting agencies, and property owners alike favor vegetative stabilization, with or without rock at the base or “toe”. These methods offer the most benefit in stabilizing banks and reducing sedimentation from erosion, while minimizing adverse impacts upon the stream ecosystem and downstream property.

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 plant 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 and ordinances that may apply to your streambank stabilization project. Be sure to check with all appropriate agencies before beginning any land/stream bank disturbing activities, particularly those adjacent to or in a stream. (For a listing of these agencies go to www.missoulacd.org or 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 is 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 flooding problem.

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-rooted herbaceous 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.

Planning & Carrying out Your Project:
Careful thought, planning & execution will be required to assure that your streambank project is done efficiently and 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 permitting 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 the final project regularly, particularly after heavy rains and high flows, as well as ice jams damage, and make necessary repairs and vegetative plantings as soon as possible.

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.

Managing & Maintaining Vegetative Streambank 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 to prevent the erosion from occurring. Preservation and

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 the stream 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, and increased 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 be less 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 relatively 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 Land Owners:
Missoula County landowners can participate in 2 programs to assist with riparian planting and bank stabilization projects: Missoula Conservation District Riparian Planting $500 Mini-Grants
With the CD’s public education outreach on maintaining a healthy riparian area, and increasing development along stream & rivers throughout Missoula Co., the Missoula CD has funded 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 Program
Missoula Conservation District offers a cost-share program for natural resource improvement within Missoula County. The maximum cost-share funding allowed per project is $5,000. Cost-Share rates: District – 75% maximum provided by the Missoula CD (with set maximum cost allowed per practice). Applicant – 25% minimum provided by applicant. Applicant portion can be in the form of cash, in-kind services (i.e. labor), or from other conservation cost-share programs. Applications for 2012 funding are due in the District office by 5pm, September 1, 2011.
For more information go to our website at: www.missoulacd.org. 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 18th & 19th. The Envirothon was established as a competitive, problem-solving, natural resource event 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 the many environmental problems that exist today. Working as a team, they learn to use critical thinking and problem solving skills to arrive at solutions to specific environmental problems.
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 24th-29th.

Hellgate High School Team #21 – 1st Place Over-All Test Scores & 2nd Place over All – each student on this team will receive a $300 college/university scholarship

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 issue was “Salt & Fresh Water Estuaries”. Since Montana is land locked an emphasis was placed on wetland restoration in the oral presentation.

Missoula FFA Team #22 – 3rd Place Over-All and 1st Place FFA

Missoula FFA Team #23 – 3rd Place FFA

The public is always invited to the meetings of the Conservation District. Meetings are held on the 2nd Monday of each month at the District office, 3550 Mullan Road, Ste. 106, at 7 PM DISTRICT BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Tim Hall, Chairman Libby Maclay, Vice-Chairman Richard Ramberg, Treasurer Robert Schroeder Sidney Wills Art Pencek Rob Roberts MISSOULA CONSERVATION DIASTRICT EMPLOYEES Tara Comfort . . . . . . . . . . District Administrator Lori Zeiser . . . . . . . . . . Administrative Assistant Natural Resources Conservation Service Area/Field Office Staff
Craig Engelhard . . . . . . . Assistant State Conservationist John Bowe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . District Conservationist John Blaine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Resource Conservationist Susan Sakaye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Soil Conservationist Mark Zuber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Senior Civil Engineer Kristine Handley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Civil Engineer Chad Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Civil Engineer Technician Jay Brooker. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Soil Scientist Mona Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Administrative Specialist Pat Lauridson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Biologist Walter Lujan . . . . . .. . . . . .Range Management Specialist Julie Sacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Resource Conservationist Jay Skovlin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Soil Survey Beth Rowley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Soil Survey

ASSOCIATE SUPERVISORS
Greg Martinsen
All MCD & NRCS Programs are offered on a NONDISCRIMINATORY basis without REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, NATION OF ORIGIN, RELIGION, SEX, AGE, MARITAL STATUS, or DISABILITY

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