Shoshone County Weed Warriors host free spray day

WALLACE – Members of the Shoshone County Noxious Weed Advisory Board would like to invite residents to participate in a free spray day Thursday, July 12.

Held across from the former Pinehurst RV on Division Street in Pinehurst from 1- 4 p.m., The spray day is made possible with the help of dedicated community volunteers.

This is the perfect time of the year with warmer weather arriving and weeds beginning to grow. As the weed population continues to expand throughout our county, it is even more important to maintain vigilance in controlling the spread.

Landowners have a legal responsibility to control noxious weeds on their property by Idaho Code Title 22, Chapter 24, 22-2407 and the county has a legal obligation to enforce the code. Several cities have adopted weed and blight ordinances in addition to state laws that encourage landowners to control the ongoing problem of noxious weeds.

In addition to choking out grass in lawns, noxious weeds are also harmful to domestic animals and wildlife; as well as infecting their habitat. Several noxious weeds can cause skin and eye irritation to humans and when ingested, can cause life threatening liver damage to animals.

The spray day will be a win-win as participants will learn about noxious weeds and have their spray tanks filled at no charge. Landowners are encouraged to bring their own sprayers or may borrow backpack sprayers from the county.

Law dictates that the Advisory Board can only fill actual herbicide spray containers, but very limited number of backpack sprayers will be available for loan at no charge. All borrowed spray equipment must be returned by 3:30 p.m.

Participants will receive a brief training on methods of application, equipment calibration and safety. Spray tanks will then be filled with appropriate herbicide designated for turf (lawn). A maximum of three (3) gallons per person will be given allowing for up to one (1) acre of coverage.

Brochures with additional information on basic weed management, weed identification and sprayer calibration will be available.

If it is raining or winds are over 8 MPH, the event will be canceled.

All Shoshone County residents are welcome to participate. Please contact Carol Young with any questions by calling 753-5475 or 659-7075 or emailing cyoung@co.shoshone.id.us.