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CONTROL OKANOGAN WEEDS – INVASIVE SPECIES PROJECT (COWISP)

The Okanogan Weed Invasive Species Project aims to combat the rapid expansion of invasive weed species in the grasslands, restoring biodiversity and preserving cultural and economic resources. We will employ various methods of control, including hand pulling, mechanical techniques, bio-agents, integrated suppression and education, and selective use of chemical pesticides. Biological treatment will be explored through cooperation with USDA APHIS and WSU Extension Agents to obtain bio-control agents. The project includes planning, development, operation and maintenance, monitoring and evaluation, and educational outreach.

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CONTROL OKANOGAN WEEDS – INVASIVE SPECIES PROJECT (COWISP)

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  1. CONTROL OKANOGAN WEEDS – INVASIVE SPECIES PROJECT (COWISP) Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation

  2. BACKGROUND • Hydropower projects and population impacts (pre-dams about 800 – 39,000 people construction and operation) • Biologically Diverse Grassland, Shrub-steppe, Ponderosa Pine Ecosystems Intact • Changes in land use – Logging, Grazing, and Agriculture (Field Crops, Irrigation, Orchards,etc.)

  3. Over the Hedge by Michael Fry & T. Lewis

  4. Grasslands play a vital role in our ecosystems and natural resource economy on Indian Lands

  5. BACKGROUND CONT. • Habitat Alteration and Loss of Biodiversity • Reduces Available Habitats and Diversity of Native Plant Species • Reduces Wildlife Species Abundance, Richness, and Diversity

  6. INVASIVE WEED SPECIES • Threaten Subsistence / Cultural / Spiritual Resources for Native Peoples • Threaten Economic Well-being of Region and Livelihoods of those who utilize the land as a renewable resource • Drains Tribal, Local, State and Federal Dollars

  7. New Invasive Weed Species, Knapweeds and Others are Rapidly Expanding Across Our Grasslands

  8. 40-50 Degree Latitude Belt. Invasive species thrive here, displacing native vegetation.

  9. GOAL • To demonstrate the utilization of a comprehensive, coordinated approach to stem the tide of invasive weed species that are displacing native vegetation while working to reduce the density of existing infestations of invasive species to a livable level that restores biodiversity at those sites.

  10. METHODS OF CONTROL • Hand Pulling • Mechanical (mowing, discing, tilling) • Bio-agents (long-term success) • Integrated Suppression/Education (efficacy) • Chemical Pesticides (minimal selective use)

  11. BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT? • The intentional use of living organisms to suppress the population of a pest to an acceptable level.

  12. We will be working in close cooperation with USDA APHIS personnel and WSU Extension Agents to obtain bio-control agents. Daro Palmer, bioagent project coordinator

  13. Advantages of Biological Weed Suppression • Mobile • Alternative to herbicide • Usually no need for reestablishment • Selective in most cases

  14. Planning and Development Objectives • Coordinate, lead and facilitate COWISP Team • Develop Educational Outreach Program • Designate Priority Locations- Weed Control • Expand Use of Bio-Agents and Monitor

  15. Construction and Implementation • Enhance Habitat • Protect Habitat • Educate Public

  16. Operation and Maintenance • Protect Enhanced Habitat • Continue Distribution of Bio-Agents • Continue Educational Outreach

  17. Monitoring and Evaluation • Research Success of Bio-Agents • Knowledge and Education - Awareness • Early Detection and Control • Noxious Weed Reduction and Habitat Enhancement

  18. PROJECT RESPONSIBILITIES • Insect Collection • Insect Redistribution • Data Collection • Mapping Release Sites • Monitoring Release Sites • Education

  19. RELATED PROJECTS • #29019 Characterize and Assess Wildlife-Habitat Types and Structural Conditions for OK Sub-basin • #29029 Perform Range Inventory for Large Ungulates • #29003 Acquire Property for Wildlife Mitigation • #199204800 Hellsgate Big Game Winter Range O&M Project • #29023 Restoration/Protection of Kartar Creek Habitats • #29037EDT in the Columbia Cascade Province

  20. NEEDS • Funding for specialists in weed control and public/professional educational outreach to maximize bio-agent success • Personnel • Supplies, travel, equipment • Educational outreach program • Enhanced Habitat Protection (fencing) • Bio-agent work is a long-term investment

  21. Healthy grasslands filter/retain water in the watershed benefiting fish, wildlife & people

  22. By funding this project we can help preserve or restore vegetative diversity not only on the the Colville Reservation, but surrounding areas as well

  23. QUESTIONS?

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