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Commissioners, residents press for action on invasive Russian‑olive patches
Summary
Residents and commissioners described dense stands of Russian olive along county roads and proposed targeted cutting and herbicide applications; speakers urged coordinated spraying, grant pursuit and immediate stump‑spray methods to prevent regrowth.
During discussion of weed‑board duties, multiple participants raised safety and nuisance concerns about dense Russian olive (an invasive shrub/tree) along roadways near the airport approach and lake-access areas. Resident and commissioner comments described sight‑line hazards on curves and rapid regrowth after cutting; one speaker asked the county to consider a proposal to cut or spray the stands.
A commissioner with on‑the‑ground experience said that cutting followed immediately by a heavy herbicide application is effective: "Right when you cut them down, you run a pretty heavy dose of Roundup on them, and it does kill them," a speaker said, arguing that the proper stump treatment helps prevent vigorous resprouting. Commissioners suggested exploring grant funds to cover larger control efforts and directed staff to bring proposals to the weed board meeting on May 13 for further planning.
