Weed board outlines ISM grant uses, plans sprayer giveaways, drone training and first airplane spray

The Duchesne County Weed Board reviewed options for spending ISM grant funds and discussed several outreach and operational steps to expand local invasive-weed control. Rex (board staff) said the grant paperwork transferred after the death of a previous employee but that funds remain usable this year and offered several models other counties use to distribute grant dollars.

"There's so many options ... we can pull a lot of money for a lot of different things," Rex said, outlining ideas that included a yearly 'free chemical day' for residents, short-term equipment rentals, and raffling sprayers at community events. He said some counties allocate roughly $20,000 a year for a free chemical distribution day and about $5,000 for rental equipment in other jurisdictions.

The board also discussed drone training and mapping. Rex encouraged staff to attend an upcoming free state drone training, noting that even a mapping drone could save time by identifying infestation patches so crews don’t have to treat entire fields. Board members compared vendor options and price points; one participant described a package that would include spray tanks and electronics for about $30,000, and recommended testing equipment through local operators who both sell and spray.

The board debated outreach channels to advertise ISM-funded programs. Members proposed focusing a county fair booth at agricultural events such as the Cattlemen's Expo to reach farmers and ranchers, and using regular Monday office traffic to publicize services. "We need to make people aware of what they have and what they need to be watching for," Rex said.

Rex framed a low-risk approach to chemical distribution: nonrestricted, ready-to-use products for homeowners while avoiding restricted-use pesticides that require applicator licensing. He said the grant can also fund demonstration plots, equipment rental, and occasional giveaways intended to increase adoption of best practices.

The board did not take a formal vote on funding allocations at the meeting; members asked staff to follow up with cost estimates, vendor contacts, and scheduling for outreach events and drone training.

The board also planned to test aerial application methods (see separate article on the scheduled Russian olive spray) and agreed to return with proposals showing how ISM funds would be spent if the board wants to pursue a sprayer raffle or equipment-rental program.