Duchesne County Weed Board targets large white top and Russian olive infestations, eyes ISM grant and NRCS partnerships
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Summary
Board members reported widespread white top and musk thistle after a dry year, described a 90‑acre private thistle field and said they will pursue larger Invasive Species Mitigation (ISM) grants and NRCS partnerships to fund Russian olive removal and long‑term follow up.
Members of the Duchesne County Weed Board spent the bulk of the meeting reviewing this summer’s fieldwork and mapping a strategy for major infestations of white top and musk thistle.
Staff described heavy white top growth across multiple drainages and properties, including significant outbreaks below Pleasant Valley, in Roosevelt and Indian Canyon. A board member said crews hit the main roads first but were unable to keep up on side roads before many plants seeded. Another member described a private field near Nick Justice that is “solid” with thistle and said the landowner has not maintained it, worsening the seedbank.
Board members emphasized the long‑term nature of the work: staff said control often requires repeated years of treatment to exhaust the seedbank, citing that a seven‑year program (and seed viability up to 14 years for some thistles) is common before populations are substantially reduced. Members agreed targeted root‑kill and rosette‑stage spraying are necessary in many places, with mechanical and cultural practices (grazing, cover crops such as sudangrass) used where feasible to suppress reinfestation.
The board reviewed a recent dedicated project on the Strawberry River (below Timber Canyon) and noted that wildfire‑opened ground and cross‑county spread from Wasatch County have increased local workload. Staff said crews have been proactive on state trust lands above Tabby and that Melissa had sent outreach letters to private landowners.
To fund larger removals, the board discussed ramping up efforts to apply for ISM (Invasive Species Mitigation) grants and coordinating with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Staff reported the board received a $15,000 ISM allocation this cycle and said the office missed an application update this year; members agreed to prepare earlier next year and to recruit private partners and contractors for large Russian olive removal projects.
Tribal lands were flagged as a persistent access and partnership challenge; staff said some tribal entities have been difficult to reach, though recent changes in local business committees may open new opportunities. Where landowner cooperation is lacking, members discussed enforcement remedies including billing for service and, if necessary, attaching unpaid costs to property taxes per county protocol.
The board identified immediate winter projects — including a privately funded Russian olive removal in Pleasant Valley where a landowner will pay the board to clear roughly 25 acres — and outlined follow‑up: cut with shears, treat stumps and return with herbicide under NRCS agreements when available. Members emphasized follow‑up spray and a three‑year maintenance expectation when NRCS funds are involved.
The board closed the discussion by prioritizing early grant drafting and a list of target properties for January–April applications.
Ending: The Weed Board plans to pursue larger ISM grants next application cycle, expand NRCS outreach, and prioritize follow‑up sprays and enforcement for noncompliant landowners.