Chaffee County Noxious Weed Program

Let's talk about hemlock! There is a post making the rounds, and I thought it would be good to provide some local context:

There are two species of hemlock located in Chaffee County. (There are also several other look-alike species.) We have both Water hemlock, which is a native species, AND Poison hemlock, with is a C-list Noxious w**d species. Both of these plants have the ability to kill people, pets or livestock by accidental consumption, and both pose serious risks, regardless of their native or non-native status. There are significant known populations of these species moving along ditches and waterways, creating dangerous situations where deadly plants are growing in agricultural areas, residential backyards, and pasturelands where livestock are likely to encounter them. These populations are locally managed by individual landowners, and the seeds are going to continue to move downstream and continue to spread. Livestock will typically avoid these plants if quality forage is available, however if it is in hay, it is nearly impossible for livestock to avoid.

Livestock have died in Chaffee County as a result of hemlock poisoning. People in Chaffee County have mistaken the identity of these plants and poisoned themselves (no known deaths that the w**d department is aware of). This is a very real problem and one that will continue to occur if active management and awareness does not occur.

Signs of poisoning usually appear within an hour after an animal eats the plant. Animals die from respiratory paralysis in 2 to 3 hours. Signs to look for in animals include:
-a loss of appetite
-excessive salivation
-bloat
-a rapid but feeble pulse
-evidence of muscular incoordination
-appearance of great abdominal pain.

More information about these species, management options, and toxicity information, please see this website from Oregon State University: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/crop-production/pastures-forages/poison-hemlock-western-waterhemlock-deadly-plants-may-be-growing

Great information from Archuleta County W**d and Pest ! Thanks for the reminder!!

This week’s w**d report:

Noxious W**ds - Information on these species (and more) can be found in the Chaffee County W**d Department Shared Resource Drive at:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1CJB3bQxTqurJE5gB_awIEOVCFvEu6h6A?usp=sharing

Cheatgrass – C-list: This species is up, growing, and near flowering at southern locations in Chaffee County. Look for the light brown thatch layer and remaining stems for hints that you may be dealing with Cheat grass. This species is an annual and depends on preventing seeds to effectively control. Mechanical controls can be effective. Herbicide treatments are difficult to execute effectively. This species is common in disturbed habitats across Chaffee County.

Hoary Cress B-List: This species has emerged and is currently in the rosette, bolting, or pre-flower stages depending on your location, warmth, and moisture availability. This species is an aggressive colonizing perennial plant that emerges in the spring, blooms aggressively, and often dies back all in the springtime, making the management window for control extremely short. Effective controls include spot treatments with selective herbicides and require restoration of native grass species.

Field Bindw**d – C-list: This species breaks ground in bare dirt, pavement, sidewalks, and other edge habitats. As a true perennial species, it is extremely difficult to control effectively in the spring while this plant is pushing up nutrients. Consistent control with defined goals are critical to the successful long term management of this species. Common across southern Chaffee County.

Red-stem Filaree C-List: This species is actively flowering. Seeds will be setting soon. This species does not compete well with other vegetation, so any management should include revegetation with competitive grasses. Common on roadsides and waste areas.

Common Mullein C-List: This species is a biennial and rosettes are up. Mechanical control such as hand pulling and digging out rosettes are effective at controlling this species. Herbicide treatments require the use of good surfactants to pe*****te the hairy leaf surface. Common on roadsides, disturbed sites, railroad tracks, parking areas, etc.

Puncturevine has been moving around the lower part of Chaffee County. Populations have appeared in town in both Salida and Poncha Springs. The seeds are hard and sharp enough to pop bike tires and injure people and pets.

Please be on the lookout for this nasty noxious w**d!

FYI: the beautiful yellow plant that is currently blooming across the county IS NOT toadflax. I have received a few calls and comments about, so I figured I would try to get the word out.

The species currently blooming are called "Golden Banners" or "Golden Peas", Thermopsis montana, and is a native plant. . Conditions have been ideal for this plants growth and blooms this season, and robust populations have been identified in several different areas. All of the Golden Banners are in the pea family. They can be identified by their hooded flowers and leaves in groups of three.

Both of the toadflax species bloom at the end of summer. Yellow toadflax has narrow, linear leaves. Dalmatian toadflax has large, heart-shaped leaves.
Edit: photos were shared today, June 7th with photos of blooming Dalmatian toadflax. I was not aware of these species overlapping with blooms before. Thanks for sharing your photos with us!

Edit: We have an extensive digital library of materials that you can access, print and use. This library is FREE and available all the time! It includes fact sheets, posters, worksheets, and lots of printable materials.

The library of content can be accessed here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/111u3mnomhf_dkycxgYO_gXj9LxD3FNh_?usp=sharing

Chaffee County Noxious W**d Program and Colorado State University Extension Services is hosting a landowner workshop (at no cost!) next week at the Chaffee County Fairgrounds. Come join me for a day of education related to noxious w**d control, identification, and responsible herbicide use. Please plan to bring your clean (triple rinsed) sprayer to the event and we can help you calibrate it!

See you next week!!

FYI to our rangeland and ranching community!

New EQUIP line item for Mulit-Year Invasive Grass Control.

This new funding pool went into effect last fall, and is through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This program has significantly increased cost-share programs for managing invasive grasses on rangeland. These types of projects can greatly increase ranch profitability, increase wildlife habitat, and decrease wildfire risk.

Many producers throughout the state are unaware that they can apply through EQUIP and get $77.59 per acre to treat their invasive grasses like cheatgrass (100% cost share). Any help disseminating this information to local producers and NRCS would be greatly appreciated. Below is a link to the NRCS website and attached is a flyer that can be shared with producers. Thanks so much for your help!

Colorado-EQIP-23-payment-rates.pdf (usda.gov)

Poison hemlock is expanding its range along irrigation ditches in the southern potion of the county.

This plant can kill, so be sure it keep ditches and gracing areas free of this plant.

Hoary Cress is one of the first Noxious w**ds to be visible and blooming. This plant is just beginning to emerge in the southern portions of the County.

This plant is know to occur in the Salida and Poncha Springs areas, but is very rare in BV and other outlying areas. This plant requires 3-4 year of consistent treatment to eradicate established patches.

Check out this great video from the Idaho W**d Awareness Campaign!

Whitetop - Idaho W**d Awareness Campaign Hoary Cress, also known as WhitetopAJ Mondor, Canyon County W**d Superintendent, hosted this video with us a couple of years ago on the spring proliferation ...

Did you know that we have an extensive digital library of materials that you can access, print and use? This library is FREE and available all the time! It includes fact sheets, posters, worksheets, and lots of printable materials.

Be sure to check out all of the information we have available!

The library of content can be accessed here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/111u3mnomhf_dkycxgYO_gXj9LxD3FNh_?usp=sharing

The Chaffee County Noxious W**d Program is hiring for a Permanent Full-time Assistant Director Position and Seasonal Technicians! Please see full job description and details on how to apply here: https://www.chaffeecounty.org/finance-and-hr-employment-opportunities

Spend your time working on conservation and stewardship of our amazing natural resources through vegetation management!

Early season w**ds are up and growing!

Almost all plants are easier to control while they are young and small. This is especially true for our quick growing annual species.

Here is a collection of early season species that can easily be controlled with mechanical options including the use of a rake, scuttle hoe, shovels, or other hand tools. As these plants grow through the season, they can become more difficult to control with mechanical efforts.

As with most species, w**ds take advantage of open spaces and bare ground. Consider re-seeding with locally adapted, native grass species to prevent future issues with w**ds. Drought-tolerant species are best for our wild climates!!

The spurges are high priority species for eradication in Chaffee County as well. They are early bloomers, and can be very obvious due to their neon-green flowers. Let us know if you would like assistance with management, and be sure to wear your personal protective equipment if engaging in mechanical controls!!!

Come stop by our booth at the Home and Garden show for information on local noxious w**ds, and learn about your options for safe and effective management and control! Hope to see you at the show!!

Chaffee Home and Garden Show - April 2-3, 2022 - Chaffee Home and Garden Show A project of the Salida Sunrise Rotary Club. All proceeds benefit the local community.

This species is not known to occur in Chaffee County, and would most likely be found in an ornamental garden bed if it is here. If you recognize this plant, or maybe even have it in your garden, please remove as soon as possible! Let us know if you would like assistance!

Chinese clematis / Clematis orientalis
Chinese clematis, native to Asia, is a Colorado Noxious W**d List B species. This species is a perennial, herbaceous to woody vine with solitary flowers that have four yellow sepals. It flowers late in the season on new wood. The seedheads that it produces are long tailed and feathery. Seedheads are conspicuous all winter.

Chinese clematis prefers a variety of habitats including riverbanks, riparian forests, scrub gullies, and slopes in hot dry valleys, especially on rocks by rivers and in scrub to 8500 feet in elevation.
Leaves are opposite, pinnately compound and have 5 to 7 leaflets. The vine climbs vigorously by petioles and rapidly overgrows trees, shrubs and other native species, ultimately killing them. Growth rate is 3 feet plus per year.

Some, if not all members of this genus are mildly poisonous to humans and livestock. All plant parts of Chinese clematis are toxic to humans, dogs, cats and horses. This species causes severe burning sensation and ulcers of the mouth.

The listing of this species as a noxious w**d includes all of the Clematis orientalis subspecies as well as any named cultivars. Chinese clematis has been reported for sale as Clematis orientalis ‘Bill MacKenzie’.
Flower color, and bloom dates are distinguishing features of Chinese clematis helping to separate it from the species native to Colorado. Native Clematis species bear many more flowers on their petioles than Chinese clematis’ solitary flowers. Western Virgins Bower (Clematis ligusticifolia) has white sepals while Blue clematis (Clematis occidentalis) has light blue-lavender sepals. Rocky Mountain clematis (Clematis columbiana) also bears light blue-lavender sepals, yet Sugarbowls (Clematis hirsutissima), a bushy plant, has brownish-purple sepals. Bloom dates help with the separation of species since Chinese clematis flowers can last well into October while the native species bloom from late April through August.

Good plant identification skills are required to discern the native Clematis from Chinese clematis especially when the native species are at the end of their floral phase for the season.

Spring is just around the corner! Is your w**d management plan ready??

Several species of undesirable plants can be controlled with mechanical methods, especially when these populations are detected early and at low levels, but there are several reasons or circumstances (such as species biology or populations size) that can make mechanical controls difficult. If you are considering using a pesticide product for your w**d management this spring, be sure you know how to use pesticide products in a way that is both safe, and effective.

Always be sure to read and follow the label for all use specifications, and if you have questions on w**d management or herbicide selections, please reach out to our department. We are here to help!

Check out this amazing website from NC State University, Center for Integrated Pest Management, with a specific focus for educating homeowners on how to safely select, use and dispose of pesticide products. Bookmark this one for future uses!!!

https://pesticidestewardship.org/homeowner/

Homeowner – Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Homeowner Introduction to safe pesticide use This portion of the website discusses pesticides and pest management for the Homeowner. This website provides information on selecting, applying, storing, and disposing of pesticides and pesticide containers. On the left side of the screen, there are ‘f...

Looking for work this summer? Want to get paid to be outdoors? Do you love the natural landscapes around us and want to help protect and conserve them? If you said yes, then please consider joining the Chaffee County Noxious W**d Program for 2022!

The Chaffee County Noxious W**d Program will be hiring 2 seasonal employees (1 general seasonal, and 1 supervisor seasonal) to assist with program implementation in 2022. There are two positions available with a pay range of $15.00-$22.00 per hour based on experience.

Work is primarily outdoors and in natural areas across Chaffee, Lake and Fremont Counties and includes mechanical, chemical and biological control of invasive plant species. Project areas include USFS, BLM, CDOT, CPW, Lake County Open Spaces, County Roadways and property, and private lands. The use of trucks, ATV's and other specialized vegetation management equipment is required. Must be 18+. More information and the job description can be found here: https://www.chaffeecounty.org/Finance-and-HR-Employment-Opportunities

ANNOUNCEMENT!
Clean Harbors will be in Chaffee County this Saturday to collect household hazardous waste. This is an opportunity to dispose of a range of unwanted products, including unused herbicides.

Please see flyer for more information, questions can be directed to GARNA at [email protected]

Black Henbane is up and blooming! Flowers are light yellow with brown veins, and leaves are covered in long white hairs. All flowers/seeds develop along a single side of the stem, creating a curled appearance.

This species is extremely rare in Chaffee County with the management objective to fully eradicate this species from within our county.

This species is a biennial, meaning it grows, overwinters as a rosette, and flowers during the second year of growth. If you find flowers, be sure to look for seedling rosettes as well!! If engaging in mechanical controls, be sure to wear gloves and long sleeves as this plant is toxic!!

Colorado Department of Agriculture Fact Sheet: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Fb3PBHUAUR01z8utD0VQMQhIqnJHUeUb/view

Utah State University: https://extension.usu.edu/rangeplants/forbsherbaceous/black-henbane

Thank you CDA for declaring this week Noxious W**d Awareness week, and for sharing great posts with excellent information all week long!!!!

Happy Noxious W**d Awareness week!!

Poison Hemlock 'Conium maculatum' has been increasing in area in Chaffee County, and is being dispersed by our ditches. This species is extremely toxic with as little as .25% of body weight consumption for death to occur. All classes of livestock and wildlife are susceptible to poison hemlock poisoning from ingestion, including cattle, horses, pigs, goats, sheep, elk, and turkeys. Of the domesticated animals, cattle, goats, and horses are the most sensitive. A lethal dose in horses and cattle is as low as 0.25 to 0.5% (fresh plant weight) of the animal's body weight.

Symptoms of poisoning include nervousness, trembling, knuckling at the fetlock joints, ataxia, dilation of the pupils, a weak and slow heartbeat, coma, and eventually death from respiratory paralysis. These symptoms can occur within 30 to 40 minutes in horses and 1 1/2 to 2 hours in cattle and sheep.

Central nervous system toxicity in livestock usually occurs in spring when poison hemlock is among the first green plants to emerge. This is also when concentrations of some of the most potent alkaloids are at their highest. In fall, regrowth or newly germinated poison hemlock may be the last green forage available. In the western United States, this time coincides with the critical period of gestation in many animals, and ingestion can cause fetal deformity (i.e., crooked calf disease) in pregnant cattle, pigs, or goats. Winter poisonings are also common when cattle are fed harvested hay.

Poison hemlock is a member of the plant family Apiaceae, which contains a few important vegetable crops such as carrots, celery, and parsnip, and herbs such as parsley, cilantro, chervil, fennel, anise, dill, and caraway. It is a tall, invasive, highly poisonous w**d that is sometimes mistaken for one of its crop relatives. Do not make this mistake as it can be fatal!

In grazing areas, poison hemlock can crowd out more desirable forage species, and its toxicity causes serious livestock losses when animals feed on fresh forage, harvested silage, or, to a lesser degree, contaminated hay. Silage does little to reduce the plant's toxicity.

Central nervous system toxicity in livestock usually occurs in spring when poison hemlock is among the first green plants to emerge. This is also when concentrations of some of the most potent alkaloids are at their highest. In fall, regrowth or newly germinated poison hemlock may be the last green forage available. In the western United States, this time coincides with the critical period of gestation in many animals, and ingestion can cause fetal deformity (i.e., crooked calf disease) in pregnant cattle, pigs, or goats. Winter poisonings are also common when cattle are fed harvested hay.

Mechanical Control
Hand removal is recommended for small infestations. When pulling the plants, the entire taproot should be removed to prevent regrowth. However, care must be taken with manual control to minimize soil disturbance that can encourage further germination of seeds at infested sites. Solid carpets of hemlock seedlings aren't uncommon following soil disturbance. Plowing or repeated cultivation of newly germinated plants will prevent poison hemlock establishment. In areas where cultivation isn't practical or possible, repeated mowing once the plants have bolted but before they have flowered can reduce further seed production. Routine mowing reduces poison hemlock's competitive ability, depletes its energy reserves in the taproot, and prevents seed production. Close mowing has the additional advantage of reducing the amount of toxic leaf material available for livestock grazing.

Reports of toxic affects due to inhalation poisoning have occurred on w**d removal crews working on Poison hemlock mitigation. https://kingcountyw**ds.com/2019/11/18/scary-moment-for-restoration-crew-serves-as-a-timely-reminder-about-risks-of-poison-hemlock/

BE AWARE THIS PLANT MAY KILL YOU!

Chemical Control
The broadleaf selective herbicide 2,4-D is most effective when applied soon after plants reach the rosette stage. Both the amine and ester formulations of 2,4-D are effective. Using 2,4-D may make poison hemlock more attractive to livestock but doesn't change its toxicity, so some caution must be exercised if using 2,4-D in grazed pastureland or in silage production.

Glyphosate is nonselective, so exercise caution to minimize injury or mortality of desirable plants that might help suppress new poison hemlock seedlings. Apply to actively growing plants before they begin to bolt. Cooler temperatures can reduce the effectiveness of glyphosate.

Don't burn plants or plant debris, because burning may release toxins into the air.

If you have livestock, BE AWARE OF THIS PLANT!!! It will kill your animals, often before you even know it is there.

Information adopted from Statewide IPM Program, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California: http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74162.html

More info: Poison Hemlock Bugwood Wiki: https://wiki.bugwood.org/Conium_maculatum

CDA Fact sheet:https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/sites/default/files/Poison%20hemlock%20Factsheet.pdf

Absinth wormwood is reported in almost all of our surrounding counties, and I suspect it is here in Chaffee County too, but we just don't know about.

This species commonly invades range, pastures and other disturbed habitats. It is toxic to wildlife and livestock. Maintaining health vegetation cover can help prevent establishment of this species.

As you walk your property this spring, keep an eye out for this uncommon B-list species. If you find it, let us know and we can help you with developing and implementing a management plan.

Absinth wormwood Artemisia absinthium, is a Colorado List B member of the Sunflower family (Asteraceae). This aromatic perennial grows to 3-5 feet tall. It has drooping drab-yellow disk (rayless) flowerheads that grow in the axis of leaves at the ends of its many branches. It flowers mid to late summer.
Ridged stems grow from the crown of its taproot. The stems dry out in the fall and persist through the winter. The dried stems help to more easily spot infestations in the spring as new growth starts at the base.
Both the leaves and stems are covered with fine hairs giving the plant a grayish appearance. The leaves are up to 5 inches long, deeply lobed, olive green above and white below. Leaves attach directly to the stem and are arranged alternately. The leaves towards the ends of the stems are smaller and linear.
It reproduces by seed and each plant can produce up to 50,000 seeds a year. The seed last in the soil for 3-4 years, or longer.
Absinth wormwood invades range, pasture, and disturbed areas. It is toxic to wildlife and livestock. Maintaining a healthy site can be effective in preventing its establishment.
Originally from Europe, Absinth wormwood has been used to make Absinthe, a spirit popular in the 19th and early 20th century. It had been thought to cause hallucinations and madness so was banned in many areas of the world. More recent studies have shown that the level of thujone, the absinth wormwood compound found in Absinthe, was probably not high enough to cause the effects which were due instead, to effects of alcohol over-indulgence.

https://wiki.bugwood.org/HPIPM:Absinth_wormwood

https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/forb/artabs/all.html

https://www.eddmaps.org/distribution/viewmap.cfm?sub=5121

Fun little video demonstrating the history and science behind the tumblew**d invasions we are all familiar with!

https://youtu.be/hsWr_JWTZss

The Trouble With Tumblew**d Grey's 1 hour+ director's commentary on this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4Hcrz-StE0&list=PLqs5ohhass_Ti_MyDhtRvw59GgGKcdstBGoing to a W**d Resear...

I have been getting a bunch of calls about tumblew**ds, so I pulled some information and photos together for you into a single album on our page. You can access this information at any time by visiting the Chaffee County Noxious W**d Program page, and check out the photo albums!

"Tumblew**ds in Chaffee County typically consist of multiple species, with Kochia (Kochia scopaira L.), and Russian Thistle (Salsola tragus L.), and tumble mustard (Sisymbrium altissimum) as the most common. These are common in many different landscapes including pastures, rangelands, roadside, fields, disturbed areas, parking lots, driveways ditch banks, and gardens. Tumblew**d accumulation can lead to increased concern of fire, damage to fence lines, and clogging of waterways and infrastructure."

Tumblew**ds

Tumblew**ds in Chaffee County typically consist of multiple species, with Kochia (Kochia scopaira L.), and Russian Thistle (Salsola tragus L.), and tumble mustard (Sisymbrium altissimum) as the most common. These are common in many different landscapes including pastures, rangelands, roadside, fields, disturbed areas, parking lots, driveways ditch banks, and gardens. Tumblew**d accumulation can lead to increased concern of fire, damage to fence lines, and clogging of waterways and infrastructure. The current wet spring conditions, coupled with our drought last year is likely contributing to increased accumulations we are hearing about.

All species of common tumblew**ds are quick growing annual species, meaning the seeds germinate, grow, produce flowers and seeds, and then die back within 1 year. These dead stems then dry out in the fall and break away from the growing point, allowing them to move with the prevailing winds. Seeds are able to germinate throughout the growing season, and large plant flushes are triggered by moisture events. These species depend on seed dispersal in order to maintain populations, and the most effective way to prevent future infestations is to remove the plants before they produce seed. This can prevent the tumbling actions, and mitigate many of the detrimental effects of these species. Removing or breaking down plant material can reduce many of the negative effects that tumblew**ds cause. This can be done easily on individual properties and includes mechanical management strategies that are feasible for most property owners. Any technique that breaks down the plant material into smaller segments will reduce the potential for the long-range dispersal of these species. Some methods can include: mowing, raking, burning, and the use of motorized w**d whippers or other tools. These strategies should be implemented throughout the year (including winter), and will prevent the dispersal action of tumblew**ds, but will not reduce existing infestations.

Efforts should be taken throughout the growing season to remove plants as they germinate, either through physical or chemical controls. Actions can be taken to prevent the future infestation of tumblew**ds through responsible land management techniques such as re-seeding, reducing disturbances on the landscapes, supporting native grasses and flowering plants, reseeding disturbed areas, rotational grazing periods, and supporting community efforts to mitigate existing populations.
For more information, including recommendations on controlling existing infestations, please see CSU Extension Fact Sheet 6.314 “Identification and Management of Kochia and Russian Thistle”.

It can be found here (copy and paste link into your browser): http://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/natural-resources/identification-and-management-of-kochia-and-russian-thistle-6-314/

The Chaffee County W**d Department is currently hiring for 1 -2 temporary seasonal employees! The positions are open until filled, and expected to run through October 15, 2021; work week can be from 20 to 45 hours, depending on availability and weather conditions. This position performs a variety of field and office duties associated with noxious w**d management in Chaffee, Lake and surrounding counties. Duties include documentation of all field activities, maintenance of daily records, develops and maintains mapping data, provides land-owner assistance and interacts with a variety of local, State and Federal agencies. Minimum requirements include High School diploma or equivalent, 2 years' experience in a job with similar duties and responsibilities - OR - a college degree in/or 1 years' progress towards a college degree in an applicable, related field as stated in the job description. Candidate must have current drivers' license and ability to operate ATVs' and off-road vehicles. Hourly rate is $15 to $18, depending on experience. Benefits include 1 hour sick leave earned for every 30 hours worked. Applications w/resume can be emailed to [email protected]. Applications will be accepted until positions(s) is filled. For more information, please contact Kayla at [email protected].

EOE

Job Description:https://www.chaffeecounty.org/EndUserFiles/72180.pdf

County Application:https://www.chaffeecounty.org/EndUserFiles/46963.pdf