CONTROL OKANOGAN WEEDS INVASIVE SPECIES PROJECT COWISP

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CONTROL OKANOGAN WEEDS INVASIVE SPECIES PROJECT
(COWISP)

• Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation

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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.)

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Over the Hedge by Michael Fry T. Lewis
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Grasslands play a vital role in our ecosystems
and natural resource economy on Indian Lands
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BACKGROUND CONT.

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

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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

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New Invasive Weed Species, Knapweeds and
Others are Rapidly Expanding Across Our Grasslands
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40-50 Degree Latitude Belt.
Invasive species thrive here, displacing native
vegetation.
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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.

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METHODS OF CONTROL

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

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BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT?

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

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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
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Advantages of Biological Weed Suppression

• Mobile
• Alternative to herbicide
• Usually no need for reestablishment
• Selective in most cases

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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

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Construction and Implementation

• Enhance Habitat
• Protect Habitat
• Educate Public

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Operation and Maintenance

• Protect Enhanced Habitat
• Continue Distribution of Bio-Agents
• Continue Educational Outreach

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Monitoring and Evaluation

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

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PROJECT RESPONSIBILITIES

• Insect Collection
• Insect Redistribution
• Data Collection
• Mapping Release Sites
• Monitoring Release Sites
• Education

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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 OM
  Project
• 29023 Restoration/Protection of Kartar Creek
  Habitats
• 29037EDT in the Columbia Cascade Province

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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

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Healthy grasslands filter/retain water in the
watershed benefiting fish, wildlife people
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By funding this project we can help preserve or
restore vegetative diversity not only on the the
Colville Reservation, but surrounding areas as
well
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QUESTIONS?