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Weed officer outlines seasonal and helicopter spraying plans; scheduling questioned by public
Summary
Weed Officer Derrill Fick reported seasonal spraying efforts and said helicopter spraying should begin toward the end of the week of June 15, 2026; a public commenter later questioned that schedule and raised concerns about contractor availability.
Ward County Weed Officer Derrill Fick updated the board on seasonal spraying and said helicopter spraying "should begin towards the end of the week of June 15th." He also raised the possibility of scheduling another chemical sales date for June 30 and was given discretion by the board to set that date. Fick reported Gravel Products was able to spray over the Memorial Day weekend, while Sundre has not fully sprayed because of weather and may require helicopter coordination if ground crews cannot complete the work.
During public comment, Brent Johnson disputed the timing Fick described and said Dakota Helicopter told him they would be working on a large contract in South Dakota during that period. Johnson said he was "concerned that spraying won’t take place until August," which, if accurate, could delay localized control of Leafy Spurge on state highways. The minutes record no direct confirmation from Dakota Helicopter or a contractor response at the meeting.
