The Noxious Weed Control Board at a recent meeting approved its 2026 noxious-weed and Lake Management District budgets, confirmed near-term hires for two vacant positions and reported a $2,500 state grant to help treat shiny geranium, an aggressive invasive plant found on multiple private parcels.

The budget vote followed staff presentations showing an increase in program activity and new revenue streams. The board approved the noxious-weed budget for 2026 and the separate Lake Management District budget; both motions were seconded and carried. Board members also discussed vehicle needs, indirect-cost accounting and carryover grant funds that helped fund an additional technician position.

The approved budgets fund the program’s two full-time positions and seasonal help, and include line items to support contracted grant work and the Lake Management District’s diver hire. Program staff said the new technician — offered a position in late June and expected to start after background checks — will let the program fully use contracts and grants that previously required outside contractors.

"We applied for a grant through the Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board…and we were awarded it on Friday. So we got $2,500," said the program coordinator. Staff said the grant will help them assist landowners in treating shiny geranium, which staff described as fast‑spreading and capable of forming monocultures in forest understories.

Staff gave the board a data summary of recent operations: 72 landowner notifications issued; approximately 161 distinct sites monitored; 55 parcels in compliance after outreach; 20 site tours and demonstrations; 29 private parcels treated for rare species; 61 treatments across 46 county roads in the last quarter and 91 treatments on 61 roads year‑to‑date; and certification of 10 private pits as "weed free." Staff also reported 67,000 manually removed plants in the prior year.

Board members asked about vehicle needs and indirect-cost charges tied to a recent change in payroll processing for a weed specialist. Staff said the county’s finance office was still finalizing the indirect‑cost calculation and that the roads department intends to fund road‑related portions of the program. Staff said the program retains Title II Forest Service funding and several cooperative contracts and grants, which allow expanded work for partners including the U.S. Forest Service and local conservation organizations.

Decisions and formal actions recorded at the meeting included motions to adopt the April 22 minutes and to accept staff and financial reports, both approved, and motions to approve the 2026 noxious‑weed budget and the Lake Management District budget, both approved. The board also authorized continuing to recruit and onboard the weed technician and diver contractors for lake management work.

Staff said two seasonal hires — Rachel Hussey (started mid‑May) and Jens Erickson (started in June) — are already in the field, and that two permanent hires offered positions were undergoing background checks with anticipated start dates in mid‑August. Staff cautioned the start dates are contingent on successful background checks and county processing.

Program staff said the new technician will increase the board’s capacity to fulfill contracts, expand partner work and deliver more direct assistance to landowners. "Once we get the weed specialist and the new weed technician in, Sam will be able to go back to full time working with landowners," said the coordinator.

The board scheduled its next meeting for Oct. 28 and said members expect both new permanent hires to be introduced then.