Heidi (noxious weed program coordinator for Mason County) told commissioners she is requesting that the board place an interagency agreement with the Washington State Department of Agriculture on the next action agenda for signature and approval. "We were awarded $25,000 from Washington State Department of Agriculture to be used for knotweed control in selected creeks, rivers, and shorelines in Mason County," Heidi said.

The funding is a continuation of a program the county has received since 2013, Heidi said. The contract number is K6082; the award is scheduled to be spent across multiple county budget years: $7,000 in the 2025 budget year, $15,000 in 2026 and $3,000 for the first part of 2027. County staff said the money will support an extra‑help noxious weed specialist position and field work prioritizing selected creeks, rivers and shorelines.

Discussion vs. action: commissioners did not take a vote at the briefing; Heidi asked the board to place the interagency agreement on the next action agenda for formal authorization.

Clarifying details: Heidi said the grant may cover salary time and program costs but not unrelated expenses; some treatments for private sites outside the selected project areas are handled as time allows and require in‑person inspection before assistance is scheduled.

Next step: staff requested placement of the WSDA agreement (K6082) on the board's next action agenda for signature and implementation.