Shoshone County Weed Warriors host free spray day

Members of the Shoshone County Noxious Weed Advisory Board would like to invite residents to participate in a free spray day Wednesday, June 30. The spray day is made possible with the help of dedicated community volunteers and have been a huge success in past years.

This is the perfect time of the year with warmer weather and weeds growing. As the weed population continues to expand throughout our county, the more important it becomes to maintain vigilance in controlling the spread of weeds. 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 chocking out grass in lawns, noxious weeds are also harmful to domestic animals and wildlife, as well as infecting their habitat. Several noxious weeds 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 we can only fill actual herbicide spray containers. We will have a very limited number of backpack sprayers for loan at no charge. All borrowed spray equipment must be returned by 4:30 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 3 gallons per person will be given allowing for up to 1 acre of coverage. Brochures with additional information on basic weed management, weed identification and sprayer calibration will be available.

Providing free herbicide, training and weed identification information has proven very beneficial to landowners where this program has been implemented.

The spray day will be June 30 from 1-4 p.m. at 58834 Silver Valley Road, Osburn. This is between Osburn and Silverton on the old road. If it is raining, over 85 degrees or winds over over 8 MPH, we will need to cancel.

All Shoshone County residents are welcome to participate in the free spray days. Please contact Shelby Heiderman with any questions at 208-753-5475 or 509-650-7311 or sheiderman@co.shoshone.id.us.

• • •

Shelby Heiderman is the Shoshone County weed superintendent.