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Broadwater County weed commission updates enforcement list, approves cost-share application
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Summary
The commission approved one cost-share application, confirmed a grant-funded trailhead sign to raise Rush Skeleton Weed awareness and agreed to update county weed resolution language clarifying enforcement species and public-hearing needs.
The Broadwater County Weed Commission approved a single cost-share application and moved forward on updates to the county weed resolution and an outreach grant for signage at a local trailhead.
At the meeting, Jessica, who presented budget and program updates, said preliminary budget numbers show mills "basically the same as last year," adding the county is "in really good shape" financially. She reported a grant was awarded to install educational signage at a trailhead in Broadwater County to alert users to Rush Skeleton Weed; she recommended the Copper City Bicycle Recreation Area because "it's really close to where we found Rush Skeleton Weed in the county." The grant includes monitoring to track sign usage.
The commission reviewed proposed wording changes in the county weed resolution that clarify which species will be subject to enforcement and which will remain only in the cost-share plan. Jessica said enforcement species will be those the county identifies as problems, while other species listed in the cost-share plan would qualify landowners for guidance and herbicide assistance but would not require them to control those species.
Only one complete cost-share application was submitted this cycle. Jessica told the commission she scored the application about 68 out of 80, noting the applicant’s map and plan were thorough but that the applicant lacked an applicator’s license and did not list any EDRR (early detection rapid response) species. The applicant estimated annual herbicide costs at about $100 and requested a 50% reimbursement; Jessica said that would place reimbursement in the $350–$400 range under the program rules. The commission voted to approve the application.
The packet of changes to the BT Highway pit and related documents will be sent to Kevin, the county attorney, for legal review before materials are posted; Jessica said the commission will aim to begin implementation in July, after review in June. She said she will follow up on whether formal public hearings are required or whether commission meetings will satisfy any public-notice obligations.
Votes at a glance: the commission approved last meeting’s minutes by voice vote and unanimously approved the single cost-share application as presented.
The commission set its next regular meeting for May 19 and closed the session without further action.
