Committee discusses buckthorn control near airport; staff to prepare spraying presentation

Members of the Highway Committee reported concerns about invasive buckthorn growth along Highway 112 near the county airport and asked whether the county would perform brushing or consider herbicide treatments. A committee member said the county’s land conservation committee raised the issue and asked if the highway crew would brush back the buckthorn; the highway commissioner said routine brushing occurs in October–November if budget permits and that current year funds are tight. He said the county evaluates its budget in October to determine whether there is money for brushing. Staff said they had discussed spraying with a staffer named Mary Jo, who intends to prepare a presentation for the committee in late fall or winter on herbicide and growth‑inhibitor options. Matt summarized prior practice: "the committee here in the past has discouraged spraying. She's gonna put together a presentation for probably later fall or this winter on spring and and to for for the committee to consider it." Committee members noted that some neighboring counties are using broadleaf herbicides and growth inhibitors to control buckthorn and other invasives and that such programs can reduce mowing frequency. Committee members asked staff to coordinate with abutting landowners before any spraying and to ensure any chemical control approaches consider neighboring properties and environmental risk. No formal decisions were taken; staff will return with a presentation and recommendations later this year.