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2 <br /> <br /> <br />Weed Control Progress Report February 10, 2020 <br /> <br />Period from Jan 13 to Feb 3, 2020 submitted by Stan Wolf <br /> <br />New Business: <br /> <br />NRCS Pollinator Program: Jeff Miller and Joshua Monson are invited to <br />describe the NRCS Pollinator program. They have expressed interest in utilizing <br />biocontrol agents to control noxious weeds in the pollinator plantings. Their <br />cooperators are interested in cost share programs regarding noxious weed <br />control. <br /> <br />Weed Control staff have collected and distributed Leafy spurge flea beetles at no <br />cost to landowners. Staff have also distributed LS flea beetles on various private <br />lands where Leafy spurge infestations are prevalent. <br /> <br />In 2019, the board has approved the purchase of ten Canada thistle mining <br />weevil releases. These releases were distributed in several locations in the <br />county. Integrated Weed Control of Bozeman, MT is selling 100 insects at <br />$150.00 per release. <br /> <br />Proposed motion: Move to purchase ten releases of Canada thistle stem mining <br />weevils for $1500.00. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Seasonal Field Aid: Every year a summer field aid is hired to assist the Weed <br />Officer in scouting, mapping and controlling noxious and troublesome weeds. An <br />additional consideration for hiring the field aid is safety when field operations are <br />conducted in rough terrain or remote areas. Having an additional individual in the <br />area to quickly assist in the event of a sprayer upset is important to minimize <br />environmental damage or to provide medical assistance if needed. The Staff <br />Requisition has been signed by Mr. Wolf and forwarded to Commissioner <br />Breitling for his approval and signature. A new hire would start at $13.78. Jeff <br />Grieve has agreed to work this upcoming season, returning for his sixth year. <br /> <br />Proposed motion: Move to approve hiring a summer field aid to assist in <br />spraying and scouting operations.