'Eradication' must be removed from legislation

Monday's milfoil task force meeting was an important one. The state denied Bonner County's request for an additional $638,000 to complete herbicide treatments. They were troubled by the cost per acre and that there was no treatment strategy. The task force discussed different options on how to treat the remaining "hot spots," not totally agreeing on what they are. One member suggested "bending the rules" and resubmitting the grant amendment, requesting funding to use 2,4-D, since it is cheaper, and handing treatment over to the state. She felt the "west end" people wouldn't be happy if there is no additional treatment "down river." Commissioner Todd Crossett and several task force members opposed this idea.

People, it is important you write state legislators to remove the term "eradication" from legislative language for grant requests, and contact the commissioners' office and ISDA official Tom Wolfe, now, with suggestions regarding a strategic plan. The next grant deadline is likely October and the task force appeared inclined to work on the plan with Wolfe, who was open to biological control, stating "Everything is on the table." He said he wanted what was most effective for the cost and appealed to the most people. Crossett hoped to keep the plan in the hands of local government and seek financing from other sources than the state next year.

ANNE WILDER

Priest River