HEALTHY ACRES Issue 12

Healthy Acres

Winter 2015

A RESOURCE TO PROMOTE HEALTHY LANDS AND HEALTHY COMMUNITIES IN THIS ISSUE

At the weed district we get a lot of questions on how to go about getting a weed listed as noxious. Currently all of the species listed as noxious in Missoula County come directly from the state weed list; petitioned to the Montana Department of Agriculture and added by Administrative Rule. But Montana noxious weed laws allow for weeds to also be listed at the county level, “as a district noxious weed by a board, following public notice of intent and a public hearing. Many counties across the state have done just that, and in January 2015, we will be putting out a call for petitions to add new invasive species to the Missoula County noxious weed list. The Missoula County Weed Board has recently adopted a new protocol for the petitioning and potential listing of new noxious weeds for the county. This is how it is going to work:

CALL FOR SUGGESTIONS Every other year (in odd-numbered years) in January, the Missoula County Weed District will send out a general call for suggested additions to the county noxious weed list. This mailing will be sent to all land management agencies, interest groups and members of the general public within Missoula County who have previously

expressed interest in the listing process. The suggestion period will be open until the end of March of the same year. INITIAL REVIEW Suggested changes to the Missoula County Noxious Weed List will be considered and reviewed by a work group composed of weed board members, weed district staff and interested members of the public. The work group will hold a meeting in April to review and discuss suggested additions or deletions to the county noxious weed list. This work group meeting is open to the public. Proponents of the suggested changes may make brief presentations and answer questions as necessary. RESEARCH & FIELD INVESTIGATIONS From April through mid-September, the petitioner, with assistance from district staff, will conduct research on suggested species to the weed list. This research may include literature reviews, surveys of other county programs, discussions with other states and field investigations to assess the level of infestation within Missoula County.

Continued on page 2

Governor Bullock Signs Executive Order for Invasive Species Council Montana has a new Invasive Species Council that encompasses all taxa from spotted knapweed to Asian longhorn beetle.

Page 11

Dreaming of Strawberries Turn to page 5 to learn about new strawberry research in Western Montana.

Page 5

Should that Strange Plant be a Noxious Weed? by [Article Author]

Photo by Leah Grunzke

HEALTHY ACRES | Issue 12 2

FINAL WORK GROUP RECOMMENDATION The work group will meet in October to review the results of the research, field investigations and public comments on the initial recommendations. A decision will be made by October 31

st whether to

recommend the weed for listing. Proponents are welcome to present additional information to the work group on their suggestions. This meeting is also open to the public. The work group will vote (majority rule) on their final recommendations, and

prepare a report for the weed board’s consideration. If approved by the weed board, the recommendation and report will be passed on to the Missoula County Board of Commissioners. The report will include species assessments, the weed board's recommendations and a brief summary of the reasons for decision. The work group will consider all available information on the biology, behavior, distribution, cultural use and control of each suggested species when making a decision to recommend listing as a noxious weed. Additional information may result in a later decision to remove a species from the list.

PUBLIC HEARING Missoula County Weed District will issue an informational press release and notice of intent on the proposed changes to the general media

and interest groups. A public hearing will be scheduled in November to solicit public comment on the proposed changes to the list. FINAL CONSIDERATION AND DECISION The Missoula County Board of Commissioners will consider public testimony received and the weed board’s report to make a final decision on changes to the weed list by December 31

st. The revised

weed list will become effective in January of the following year, at which time, the weed district will work with partners to actively distribute the new list to interested parties and the general public.

We look forward to initiating this process in 2015, so stay tuned!

Chickens can tolerate cold much better than heat. They will fluff up their feathers, put their heads under their wing and squat down over their feet. When our temperatures get bitterly cold, combs can freeze as well as toes. Help your birds by using a heat lamp or other safe heat source to keep the temperature at or just below freezing. Also, use a fresh layer of straw or shavings for insulation. A slight draft is fine to keep the air flow.

If your birds free range, they may hesitate to go out onto the snow. Put down a light layer of straw, shavings or hay over the snow to encourage them to come outside.

They need additional carbohydrates during severe cold snaps. You can give them

scratch to supplement their regular diet. Once a day, a wet mash mixed with warm water is a welcome meal for your birds.

Egg laying is at a minimum due to the limited daylight. Your girls can use the break. They will be back “online” starting around February. If you use a light in the coop, to supplement natural light leave it on no more than 12 – 14 hours a day.

Finally, if you smell ammonia in your coop, you need to clean. This is a buildup of droppings that stay wet. If you can smell it, imagine how it’s affecting your birds that are much closer to the source.

If you have questions or comments please contact Bryce Christiaens at Bryce@missoulaeduplace.org or at 406.258.4217.

Should that Strange Plant be a Noxious Weed? continued

Brrrr….Winterize Your Coop by Laura DeNitto The Chicken Lady

HEALTHY ACRES | Issue 12 3

GRANT FUNDING AVAILABLE

2015 Landowner Grant Missoula County landowners can apply for 50/50 cost share grant funding for weed treatments in 2015. Contact Lindsey @ 258-4219 to find out details. Deadline for applications is February 13, 2015.

Ninemile Weed Management Area Photo by Sharon Sweeney

FAST FACTS

75% 75 % of people surveyed in 2006 were concerned about the ecological impact of weeds.

28% Only 28% of landowners have utilized Missoula County resources for controlling weeds.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Moving Forward on Invasive Plant Management surveyed landowners in the Ninemile and Potomac Valleys and was conducted in 2006. To look at the results of this survey follow the link below.

Landowner Survey

If you don’t know about or haven’t checked out Missoula County’s Landowner Grant Program you should. The County Landowner Grant is a cost share program for private landowners, homeowner’s associations, road associations, irrigation ditch associations and other non-government landowners.

The grant matches your money and labor up to 50% of actual expenses for chemicals, commercial applicators, and re-seeding. Your money is reimbursed after the actual work has been performed. You can read more about the grant guidelines here.

Once you have reviewed the grant guidelines and looked over the application you will have a better idea of how this grant program works and if it fits your needs. The following are some tips to help you get started on your application.

1) WHAT IS THE END GOAL? And WHAT DO YOU WANT TO GROW? This is the first question you should always ask yourself when thinking about vegetation management. Identifying what you want to achieve will allow you to determine which management tools are appropriate for your property.

2) WHAT CAN I AFFORD THIS YEAR AND IN SUBSEQUENT? You may have the desire to restore a 20 acres field to a native prairie but the seed alone will be $8000. Set a budget, this will help determine the next steps in your management.

3) TAKE STOCK OF WHAT YOU HAVE. Sit down with a map of your property – hand-drawn or printed. Draw in known infestations of noxious weeds. It can be a rough sketch. You can also draw in areas where desirable vegetation is already growing. If you don’t know the kind of plants on your property you can contact the Missoula County Weed District for help. This map will help indicate where management should occur by breaking your property into

manageable chunks. Determining acreage often trips people up on the application. It is okay to estimate your acreage numbers. You know how many acres you own, so if you were to push all of one weed species into a corner of that property, approximately how many acres would that be?

4) ASSIGN THE APPROPRIATE TOOLS. Select treatment methods that have been proven to be effective at controlling the weed species on your property. The majority of applicants include herbicides and re-seeding costs in their cost-share budgets. Selecting the most effective herbicide and application rate for each weed species will require a little research online, at the Weed District or with a commercial applicator if you plan on hiring one. Other tools one might utilize for weed control include: hand-pulling, mowing, biological insect releases, and targeted grazing.

5) CREATE A BUDGET. Now that you have established an annual budget for your project, it’s time to research how much things cost. Call your local ranch supply store to inquire about the cost of the herbicides and grass seeds you are interested in using. If you are choosing to use a commercial applicator they should be able to provide you with a quote for your budget. Whip out those math skills and keep in mind that this grant reimburses UP TO $500 per individual and $1000 per group.

6) TAKE SOME PICTURES. If you already have pictures - awesome. Your grant will be much more competitive if the grant review committee can see they type of weed infestations they are allocating funds to. If you don’t have any pictures that is okay,

Tips for Submitting a Successful County Landowner Grant Application by Lindsey Bona-Eggeman

HEALTHY ACRES | Issue 12 4

since right now isn’t the best time to take pictures of weeds. Taking pictures before you start treatment is the simplest way for you to monitor your progress. Make sure there is a permanent object in the picture, so you can repeat the picture year after year.

7) REVISIT STEP ONE. Keep in mind

your original goal and vision. Now that you have walked through your budget, what you have and don’t have for vegetation, is you original goal/vision achievable? Something to keep in mind!

8) CONTACT LINDSEY TO REVIEW YOUR GRANT. The County Grant Program is a competitive grant and not all applications get funded, give your grant the best chance possible by visiting with Lindsey before you submit. Lindsey Bona 406-258-4219

It’s that time of year, when some plant-

feeding insects are looking for a nice, warm

place to spend the winter. Conifer Seed

Bugs, or stink bugs, are a common nuisance

in and around homes during the fall and

winter. They fly readily and may produce an

odd, somewhat unpleasant odor when

provoked. However, they are harmless to

humans, animals, and to buildings. These

insects do not reproduce in the home, nor do

they damage household items.

Conifer Seed Bugs are about one inch long,

reddish-brown, with distinctive orange and

black markings on the upper abdomen.

These bugs are also called leaf footed bugs

because of their enlarged, gangly hind legs.

Conifer Seed Bugs primarily feed on

developing seeds. They prefer conifer seeds

and are most prevalent, in our area, where

large numbers of pine trees are present. The

insects spend winter in the adult stage under

protective leaf litter and in other sheltered

sites. Once they discover how sheltered

homes with central heating can be, it’s

difficult to “uninvite” them. During winter,

conifer seed bugs exist in a semi-dormant

state. They neither reproduce nor feed, but

live off fat reserves developed during the

summer.

In the spring, conifer seed bugs move to

trees and feed on the male flowers and one-

year-old cones. Beginning in late May the

females begin to lay eggs which are glued in

small groups to needles and leaves.

Immature stages feed on seeds through the

summer, becoming mature in August and

September. Adults continue to feed on

cones until they move to winter shelter.

They are not a pest of conifers, unless you

are growing pines for seed collection. There

is only one generation produced per year.

Since conifer seed bugs are not hurting

anything or anyone, no treatment is

recommended. Their presence in our homes

is due to their habit of seeking warm,

protected sites to spend the winter, a habit

shared by several other insects such as

Box elder bug

Conifer Seed Bug aka stink bug

boxedler bugs and elm leaf beetles. The best

management technique for all these insects

trying to come inside for the winter is to

ensure that your home is well sealed. Once

conifer seed bugs make it inside, you can

vacuum them up and deposit them

somewhere else to spend the winter.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Do you have questions about bugs or other pest? Give Sandy a call at the Plant Clinic.

SANDY PERRIN

406-258-4213

Just looking for a warm home… by Sandy Perrin

HEALTHY ACRES | Issue 12 5

Winter is approaching Western Montana, and though the intensity may be relatively mild (for Montana), the duration can make for a challenging environment.

Yes, many of us live in this region so that we can take advantage of the seasonal outdoor opportunities, but as March comes around winter’s grasp often takes its toll. One factor in particular that makes the winter season seem so long is not the ubiquitous gray sky, the shortened day lengths, or the perpetual ice on the trails; it is the lack of fresh local produce. How we long for the first bits of green or small flowers that emerge from our gardens, or for the seemingly exponential weekly growth and additions of fresh goods at the farmers markets’ and grocery stores. Once June comes, we are treated with the jewels of the summer, the strawberry. Strawberries are indeed a symbol of summer, and are embedded in the memories of nearly everyone - taking them back to u-pick farms, fresh pickings from the garden, and the cherished preserves that help ward off summer withdrawals through the long winter. When we actually take the time to think about where our strawberries come from, it may be difficult to nail down a source. You may have a small collection of plants in the backyard garden, or you may be lucky enough to live in a town that has a u-pick strawberry farm.

Generally speaking, Montana does not have much for strawberry production, just 13 acres for the entire state in 2012 according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. It is not because our state is too cold to grow strawberries; Minnesota in comparison, has nearly 600 acres of

strawberries in production (USDA NASS, 2012 Census of Agriculture). Anybody who has grown strawberries in their backyard knows that despite their dainty white flowers and ruby gems, these plants can be a mess to deal with. The plants are less delicate and more Rocky Horror Picture Show, taking over garden plots and encroaching on neighboring beds and plants. Weeding is a bear, pest and diseases management can be a never ending battle, and spring and fall maintenance is a hassle. Think of the labor required to expand your ten foot garden bed of strawberries to an entire acre or ten acres! What makes strawberries more of a challenging crop is that contrary to the efforts required for maintaining the crop, there is a small window of consolidated harvest for June-bearing plants, and smaller yields over a longer season for ever-bearing varieties. Yet, there is a huge market opportunity for Montana producers to integrate strawberries into their existing production systems.

In 2015, with the support of funds from the Montana Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, Missoula County Extension will be working with producer in Western Montana and faculty at MSU to initiate a three year study to investigate alternative strawberry production strategies. In particular, we will be evaluating the efficacy of annual strawberry production in high tunnels. High tunnels are the unheated hoop-houses that are employed by many small producers in our region to extend our short growing season.

Strawberries are a perennial plant that typically is productive for up to three to five years, but if we treat them as an annual crop we can eliminate much of the maintenance required. Treating this crop as an annual will also allow the producer to grow the plants entirely during the productive state, and open up planting space for alternative crops once the strawberries have been removed.

So here is how it works… typically June-bearing strawberries are grown as a matted row system where a single row of plants is lined out in the middle of a two foot (or wider bed). The plants are planted in the spring, and the entire first year is dedicated to establishment of the beds through the stolons (runners) and no fruit is harvested. This requires a significant amount of maintenance with no return until the second season when the plants bear fruit for a small window in early summer. Contrary to the conventional matted-row system, the plants in the annual system will be planted in the late summer/early fall at a much higher density. The plants will then produce fruit the following spring and the plants will be immediately removed. Once the plants are removed, the production bed can be used for an alternative crop, thus maximizing the return on the available planting space. Additionally, the integration of hoop-houses for the annual system will likely result in an earlier harvest. We will begin trials in 2015 to investigate the viability of the annual strawberry production system in Montana in comparison to the conventional matted-row system. This production strategy could allow for producers in our region with existing infrastructure, to add a high value crop to their production system without sacrificing the production of other crops. And more importantly (perhaps selfishly), more strawberries produced locally means more tasty gems at the grocery store for us all to consume.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information contact Seth Swanson @ 406-258-4205

Dreaming of Strawberries by Seth Swanson

HEALTHY ACRES | Issue 12 6

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Throughout the summer we see our biocontrol insects jumping, flying, and crawling throughout our weed infestations. We can also usually observe visual damage that they have caused to target weeds. Do you ever wonder how they survive our long cold winters and what they are up to? The majority of the insects that we release to assist in our weed management efforts actually do the most damage to their target plant in the winter. The following will give you a better idea of what the more common biocontrol insects are doing in our winter months.

Mecinus janthiniformis (Dalmatian toadflax stem weevil) Adult weevils emerge from old toadflax stems in the early spring and beginning feeding and laying eggs upon the stems of the new growth. The eggs soon hatch and mine inside of the stems. Within about a month they pupate and become adults. These adults stay within the stem all fall and winter. They emerge in the spring to start the process again. The majority of damage caused to the weed is a result of the larvae mining the stems but, when adults are present in large numbers leaf feeding can also result in detrimental damage.

This time of year your Dalmatian toadflax weevils are trying to stay warm in the old stocks of toadflax that you see around. Due to overwintering in the stems above ground as opposed to within the roots below ground, which many of our biocontrol agents do, they are more susceptible to winter mortality due to the extreme fluctuation in temperature that we commonly have without a snow layer for insulation. Aphthona spp. (leafy spurge flee beetles) The adult beetles emerge in the early summer and tend to stay together in one area. They lay their eggs on the ground near leafy spurge plants and as the eggs hatch the larvae burrow into the soil and begin feeding on the root hairs. This time of year the beetles are feeding on leafy spurge roots causing significant damage to the plants. As they eat and grow they feed on larger diameter roots until spring when they pupate and emerge as adults to begin the cycle over again.

In the summer, when adults are present in large numbers they may also defoliate plants, which is damaging but not as significant as the damage they inflict during the fall, winter, and spring feeding on the roots.

Cyphocleonus achates (spotted knapweed root weevil) Adults emerge from the roots mid to late summer, at which time they focus on feeding and laying eggs. The eggs are laid on the root crowns of spotted knapweed plants. The adults continue to feed and lay eggs into the fall when the cold weather kills them. Each female can lay up to 100 eggs during this period. The larvae hatch soon after the eggs are laid and mine into the center of the root. They feed within the roots until the following summer when they go through pupation. The newly formed adults chew their way out of the root in mid to late summer to start the cycle over again.

This is the time of year the root weevil is inflicting significant damage to spotted knapweed plants. The extended period of time that these weevils feed within the roots results in a more significant impact than the damage caused by adults feeding on leaves.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

If you have questions about other insects or biocontrol in general contact Melissa at mmaggio@missoulaeduplace.org or 406-258-4223.

What Are Your Biocontrol Agents Up to in the Winter? by Melissa Maggio-Kassner

HEALTHY ACRES | Issue 12 7

Winter is a wonderful time to sit back, relax, and … learn a new skill! With the landscape carpeted in snow even noxious weeds take a break. This provides a great opportunity to learn how to identify weed seedlings, so that when spring arrives you will be ready. The Montana State University Extension service recently published a well-organized Weed Seedling Identification Guide which is available online (http://store.msuextension.org/publications/AgandNaturalResources/EB0215.pdf) or you can order a hard copy of the guide for FREE at the following link - http://store.msuextension.org/Products/Weed-Seedling-Identification-Guide-for-Montana-and-the-Northern-Great-Plains__EB0215.aspx.

Spotted Knapweed seedling

The guide is organized into two seedling sections, broadleaf and grass. Within the broadleaf section seedlings are grouped by leaf shape. Images of leaf shapes are provided as well as illustrations of plant parts, which are helpful for identification. After looking over the broadleaf shapes in the guide you are

directed to one of four color coded sub-sections. Each sub-section is organized alphabetically by the plants common name. Colorful, clear photographs of the seeds, seedling, and mature plant are

provided for each weed species. Helpful tips for distinguishing each plant are also included. The back section of the guide is dedicated to grass seedlings. Identifying a mature grass is challenging enough, thankfully this guide has done a wonderful job breaking the task into simple steps for identifying grass seedlings. Grass seedlings are divided into three subsections depending on the type of ligule they have. Descriptions and illustrations are provided for each category. This portion of the guide also provides illustrations of fundamental grass parts helpful for identification, different sheath types, and leaf vernation. Similar to the broadleaf weeds, the photographs that accompany each grass seedling make identification much easier. The easy and accessible layout of this guide as well as its amazing cost ($0) makes it a great resource.

Canada thistle seedling

Cheatgrass seedling

The Weed Seedling Identification Guide is an important tool for weed control. Although small, this guide has a powerful impact because it allows us to identify weeds as they are just beginning to establish. Controlling weeds at the seedling stage is highly effective. Using this guide will allow you to take control of the weeds on your property this spring.

Field Bindweed seedling

FOR MORE INFORMATION

If you would like to learn more about identifying unknown weed seedlings and effectively control them please contact Ashley Juran at (406) 258-4218 or ajuran@missoulaeduplace.org.

MSU Extension Publications 406-994-3273

Hey There Stranger by Ashley Juran

The Missoula County Weed District and Extension Service would like to

wish you and your families a Happy Holiday and a wonderful New Year!

HEALTHY ACRES | Issue 12 8

Some people claim to be experts on all kinds of things! That’s usually my path to skepticism. Knowing it and living it can be worlds apart! Recently, I had the chance to attend a conference whose keynote speaker was a nationally recognized authority on achieving greater financial security (Jean Chatzky, financial editor for NBC’s Today Show). I had listened to several of her morning segments with distracted interest (usually while simultaneously flipping pancakes, feeding family pets, and applying eyeliner) Occasionally, something she said would stand out and I would find myself thinking that I needed to hear more…or, that I needed to pay more attention to what she was telling me to do. Besides, she always had great shoes! One of my many weaknesses …shoes! I am fortunate to be a Family and Consumer Science Agent whose job is to provide unbiased research based information that is highly valued and available to those seeking to improve and empower their lives. (MSU Extensions’ Marsha Goetting is an icon in the world of estate planning and financial literacy; Mont Guides are available online at www.montana.edu//extensionecon/financialmgtpublications.html) Much of my time and energy is occupied with gathering and distributing this information. When the Montana Financial Educator’s Conference, featuring Jean Chatzky was posted, I jumped (yes, really) out of my chair and headed to the far away city of Helena to finally look past the shoes, and gather some sound financial advice from another expert. Along with the usual conference sponsor pens, paper pads, informational pamphlets, and coupons handed out in a canvas bag at the front door, there was a book, written by none other than… Jean Chatzky: Money Rules-The Simple Path to Lifelong Security. This small 110 page, easy to read book contains more practical information than many 150 page manuals I’ve trudged through. (I am in no way, however, endorsing this book over the many excellent financial education publications available online and in your local bookstore). Jean’s presentation was excellent by the way (her shoes were

chic yet practical), but it was this compact little gem of a book that stayed with me! Some of the book’s 94 rules, we know by heart: “Don’t Shop Angry, Don’t Shop Sad, Don’t Shop Hungry, Don’t Shop With Cheapskates”! But some of the rules are cause for reflection: “Personal Finance is More Personal than Finance”. I’ve been contemplating the emotional, often volatile world of becoming more financially independent for some time now. Our ability to cope with financial reality is often in direct correlation with our bank account balances. I’m not as willing to remember my lack of savings on payday. Financial issues are the leading cause of marital strife. We are reminded of the cost of living almost from day one (avg. birth w/ins. $500-2000; wo. /ins. $9000-15,000 providing there are no complications). Once the basics are covered- diapers to braces to basketball shoes to cars to tuition, the rest is up for grabs, right? It’s almost never that simple and almost never just about money. Our financial education comes from parents, grandparents, caregivers, friends, teachers, social media, and books. For every one of us who faithfully placed all birthday and allowance money in a piggy bank, there was someone else who faithfully hunted down all misplaced change under the couch, in the car, or in mom or dad’s jeans pocket so that a Snickers bar could be purchased for immediate consumption before dinnertime. Neither of these habits was particularly healthy. Depravation leads to feelings of discontent and possible rebellion! Money should be saved and spent. Achieving a healthy balance requires honesty, good communication, self -discipline, commitment, forgiveness, and humor. Set financial goals for yourself and with your significant other and allow for flexibility. Make sure those goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time bound (©Family Financial Literacy Project/Setting Financial goals. Funded by a grant from The Take Charge America, Inc. to the Dept. of Health and Human Development at Montana State University-Bozeman).

Be willing to make revisions. That 2014 blue Camaro might not be as necessary as an additional bedroom for the additional child that will be arriving…to your surprise! Know the difference between your needs (food, shelter, clothing, safety) and your wants (everything else). Wants should not take over needs. Occasional compulsive purchases are not life-threatening, however. The satisfying financial decisions we make throughout our lives, give us a sense of well-being. It is proof that becoming more proficient in making better financial decisions, is truly a process that takes a lifetime of study. Rule 91: “Don’t take financial advice from someone just because they’re wealthy {or related}.” P.106, Money Rules; © 2012 by Jean Chatzky; Rodale Books. Learn to trust your instincts.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Kelly Moore Family and Consumer Sciences Missoula County Extension 406-258-4207

Doing What Makes Cent$ by Kelly Moore

Making Cent$ of Things….

Decrease cost ly food waste with week ly, healthy, family- approved menus. Ut il ize dry ingredients that can be purchased in bu lk : beans, grains, etc. “Brown Bag It”! The cost of buying lunch 5 days / week at $5-10.00=$1300-$2600/ year “Prevention is Wor th an Ounce of Cure”: Good nutr it ion, exercise, check-ups LAUGH: It ’s good for you it feels good, and it ’s FREE!

HEALTHY ACRES | Issue 12 9

Common buckthorn is a shrub or small tree whose native range extends throughout most of Europe and central Asia. It was introduced into North America as an ornamental and hedgerow, and now grows in 34 US states and most Canadian provinces. In Montana, buckthorn has been reported from at least 16 counties but its distribution is still poorly understood.

Although buckthorn is just being recognized as an invasive threat in Montana, eight US states in the upper Midwest and Northeast have listed it as a noxious weed, or restricted its use as a horticultural plant. In the semi-arid west, common buckthorn is mianly found along water features, including ditches, rivers, and seasonally wet draws. It negatively impacts native ecosystems by out-competing other bottomland vegetation, negatively impacting food resources and nesting habitat.

In response to a 5+ acre infestation of common buckthorn in the Rattlesnake valley, the City of Missoula Conservation Lands Program and its partners have begun documenting the distribution of buckthorn in the Missoula area. Initial surveys of buckthorn in the Lower Rattlesnake valley, and the Missoula stretch of the Clark Fork have identified over 200 locations where buckthorn is present. During this survey, Conservation Lands staff found buckthorn near every water feature on the landscape. It was found growing at the Bancroft ponds, Grant Creek, along irrigation ditches, and along Rattlesnake Creek. In 2015, students from the University of Montana's Restoration Ecology program will work with the Missoula County Weed District, and City of Missoula Conservation Lands to further investigate the extent of the common buckthorn infestation in Missoula and surrounding areas.

Buckthorn has a similar appearance to our native chokecherry, but there are a few distinguishing features. Leaves are broadly oval, with 3-4 pairs of curved veins with jagged, toothed margins. Leaves appear dark glossy green on the upper surface. Identification of buckthorn is easiest in late fall, when its leaves stay green after most natives have lost their leaves. Buckthorn also has ½” to 2” spines on the tip of each twig, and clustered racemes of berries that turn almost black towards the end of summer.

The fruit of common buckthorn has a cathartic (laxative) effect on wildlife that eat it, so the berries have little to no nutritional value (hence the Latin name Rhamnus cathartica). Primary means of dispersal is by birds. Seeds have a

high germination rate and remain viable for up to 6 years on the ground. Common buckthorn is thought to exude an allelopathic chemical that suppresses the growth of adjacent vegetation.

The City of Missoula Conservation Lands Program will be petitioning the Missoula County Weed District in 2015 to list this species as a noxious weed within Missoula County. To learn more about species of concern for open land in Missoula follow this link.

Back in the 80’s and 90’s the Missoula County Weed District operated in a more traditional manner, primarily focusing on spraying roads and helping people kill weeds. Part of this traditional approach was an equipment rental program where landowners could checkout slide-in and jack rabbit sprayers. Over the past thirty years the local community has changed and as a Weed District we have taken a more holistic approach to vegetation management by looking at the big picture and working with

land owners and managers to control noxious

weeds using a variety of tools in order to establish desirable vegetation.

Another thing that has changed in the last three decades is that the Weed District no longer has its own shop to store equipment. Fortunately that may soon be changing! Stay tuned for details on these exciting changes.

The Weed District staff has been tossing around the idea of an equipment rental program for some time now. The greatest

obstacle for a rental program has been the lack of storage. The other obstacle has been the question - Is there really a need and is it worth the investment of time and money for the Weed District?

Jack Rabbit Sprayer

Plant of Concern: Common Buckthorn by Chris Carlson Research Specialist City of Missoula

Equipment Rental Program: Good Idea or a Waste?

HEALTHY ACRES | Issue 12 10

continued from page 9 In 2006 the Missoula County Weed District with the assistance of the University of Montana conducted a survey of landowners in the Potomac and Nine Mile Valleys. The purpose of the survey was to get a better understanding of the views, practices and needs of these landowners. The survey results indicated that landowners viewed

weed management as an important issue but cited lack of knowledge, time and equipment as obstacles to managing weeds on their properties. While the Weed District has implemented a number of programs to help landowners overcome obstacles associated with knowledge of weeds and time constraints, we have not yet figured out how to make equipment more readily available to

interested landowners.

To remedy this issue we would like you to let us know whether or not we should implement an equipment rental program, if you would use it, and what equipment you would rent/borrow. Please take a moment to fill out our survey. Take the Survey

WHOLE GRAINS

What is a serving of whole grain? One slice of whole grain bread

½ cup 100% whole grain hot cereal, cooked pasta, brown rice or other grain

Approximately 1 cup of ready to eat cereals

Whole Grains Grains are the seeds of plants like barley, corn, oats, rice and wheat. MyPlate recommends making “half your grains whole.” Whole grains provide fiber, vitamins and minerals to keep you healthy.

Check the Label! Read the ingredient list. Look for the word “whole.” Choose foods that name a whole grain FIRST Foods labeled with the words: multi-grain, stone-ground, 100% wheat, cracked wheat, seven-grain or bran are usually NOT whole grain products. Color is not a sign of a whole grain. Color is added with products like molasses, raisin juice or other added ingredients. High fiber does not always equal whole grains.

When a recipe calls for flour, substitue an equal part of whole wheat flour for white flour. If a recipe calls for 2 cups of white flour, use 1 cup white and 1 cup whole wheat flour.

Whole wheat flour is more dense than white flour, so sift the flour a couple of times to add more air into the dough.

Avoid over-mixing when you use whole wheat flour in cookies and muffins. Too much mixing will cause the flour to form more gluten, which gives you a tougher, chewier product.

Try using whole wheat pastry four for a softer product.

Cooking Oatmeal Bring the water to a boil before adding the oatmeal. Add the oats and cook over low heat. For Old Fashioned Oats cook 3 to 5 minutes. For quick cooking oats cook 1 to 2 minutes. Top with milk and your favorite fruit for breakfast.

BARLEY WRAPS

½ pound ground beef, chicken or turkey

1 cup cook barley

½ cup chunky salsa

½ green pepper, diced

½ teaspoon cumin or chili powder

¼ teaspoon oregano and garlic powder

1 ½ cups grated cheese

6 tortillas

Cook barley. Brown meat in large non-stick skillet. Drain off fat. Stir in barley, salsa, pepper and spices. Spoon mixture onto tortillas. Roll and serve. Makes 6. Per wrap : 304 calories, 16 g. protein, 15 g. fat, 2 g. fiber

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Written by Diann Pommer, EFNEP Agent Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program

dpommer@montana.edu 406-258-4208

Tips for success when cooking/baking with whole wheat flour:

HEALTHY ACRES | Issue 12 11

New Members October 1st marks the beginning of another 4-H year. Members have purchased their calves and are getting them halter broke for the January 3rd weigh in.

Jeans Day Jeans Day sponsored by The Missoulian brought $761 to the 4-H program in October. Thank you to everyone who participated. Four of our 4-H Ambassadors were present to accept the check.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information on 4-H programs contact Campbell Barrett @ 406-258-4203

Based on the recommendations of the Summit Advisory Council, the Montana Association of Conservation Districts and many other partners, Governor Bullock has signed an Executive Order creating the Montana Invasive Species Advisory Council (MISAC). This all-taxa council rescinds and replaces the Montana Noxious Weed Summit Advisory Council, which focused primarily on noxious weeds, and also fulfills the portion of the Governor’s 2013 AIS blueprint to create a stakeholder driven committee to oversee and coordinate Montana’s aquatic invasive species program. The newly-formed council will serve as an umbrella organization for invasive species established in the state and those threatening invasion. Initial focus of the council will be aquatic invasive species and terrestrial invasive plants; expanding to include other non-native animals, and insects as needed.

Governor Bullock and the Asian Longhorn Beetle

The council will initially be composed of 21 voting members appointed by the Governor, representing local, state, federal and tribal management agencies as well as members of the private sector, conservation organizations and agricultural producers interested in the management of invasive species. It will be attached to, and supported administratively by, the MT Department of Natural Resources. Funding has been included in the Governor’s Budget for DNRC to provide a part time Executive Assistant to the council; they will also serve with the

elected chair of the council as a liaison to the Governor’s office. While stakeholder dollars are not required by participating organizations and agencies, all

projects and costs of the council will be initially covered by funding put forward by stakeholders. Stakeholder dollars will not be used to support staff time at DNRC.

Governor Bullock signing Executive Order creating the Invasive Species Council

A major function of the council will be to promote policy recommendations regarding invasive species based on the work and recommendations of subcommittees (e.g. terrestrial and aquatic). Recommendations from the subcommittees will be voted on by the full council, with approved recommendations being passed on to the Governor’s office for action. The first major task of the council will include a statewide assessment of our current terrestrial and aquatic programs. This assessment will serve as a road map for the council in setting priorities for future projects and programs. The first meeting of the Montana Invasive Species Advisory Council is tentatively planned for January of 2015.

GOINGS ON IN 4-H

Montana’s New Invasive Species Council by Bryce Christiaens

HEALTHY ACRES | Issue 12 12

Five Valleys Land Trust (FVLT) is a non-profit, conservation organization founded in 1972 whose mission is to protect and preserve western Montana’s natural legacy - river corridors, wildlife habitat, agricultural lands, and scenic open spaces.

The Missoula County Weed District greatly appreciates our partnership with Five Valleys Land Trust. They are a valuable cooperator that helps ensure best management practices are followed on the public and private lands protected by conservation easements they have helped establish. Five Valleys Land Trust’s committed staff is devoted to learning alternative management options while knowledgably conveying effective management techniques to landowners. This important partnership allows us to reach a wide variety of landowners, ensuring that the complex issues associated with vegetation and land management are addressed across a varied landscape of ownership.

For the past two years Five Valleys Land Trust and the Weed District have collaborated through the Healthy Acres Seminar. The foundation of this seminar is to bring in experts to disseminate information

that address land management issues affecting Missoula County residents while providing opportunities that can assist landowners as they address these concerns. In addition, Five Valleys Land Trust has

played a pivotal role with the Weed District’s Youth in Restoration program. The Youth in Restoration program allows local youth to gain hands-on experience working alongside natural resource professionals. FVLT provided an educational component to the youth crew that connected the hands-on work they were completing with the long-term land-use benefit that was being created. This instruction and personal connection with each job provides the youth crew members with a valuable look into the variety of work involved in vegetation and land management. Five Valleys Land Trust’s Jenny Tollefson and Ryan Chapin are mentors for the youth crew and offer invaluable expertise, patience and education in their daily efforts of conservation and restoration work. The high school youth crew spent several days assisting FVLT with vegetation monitoring, noxious weed removal and fencing projects. After this intensive work, youth crew members consistently list FVLT as one of their favorite work experiences.

The Missoula County Weed District recognizes Five Valleys Land Trust as a valuable cooperator. We look forward to continued collaboration on a variety of projects and programs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information on the Youth in Restoration Program contact Steffany Rogge @ 406-258-4211

Missoula County Weed District is seeking level headed individuals to serve on the weed board. This appointment is a three year term. Meetings are held every third Thursday of the month from 4-6 p.m. at the Weed District office. There are currently 3 open board positions and 2 alternate board positions.

Duties include overseeing the planning, implementing and development of a coordinated program that includes education, prevention, management and research as described in the Wee District’s Noxious Weed Management Plan.

Interested hip individuals should contact Bryce Christiaens with question or follow this link for the application.

Sign up to receive our quarterly newsletter by clicking the link below. Register at the bottom of the page or

email Steffany -steffany@missoulaeduplace.org

REGISTER

Partnership Spotlight: Five Valleys Land Trust by Steffany Rogge-Kindseth

HEALTHY ACRES | Issue 12 13

Healthy Acres

2825 Santa Fe Court Missoula, MT 59808