Herbicides anchor 2008 milfoil plan

SANDPOINT - Herbicides are again the main weapon in Bonner County's battle against Eurasian milfoil.

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture is awarding the county $1.2 million to fund herbicide applications in the Pend Oreille River, and Pend Oreille and Priest lakes. The money will be used to treat 2,022 acres of infestation.

This summer's treatments will involve stronger herbicides than were used last year.

The use of 2,4-D was suspended in 2007 partly due to public outcry, but is now back in the county's arsenal at the state's insistence.

Approximately 561 acres of infestation in the Pend Oreille are slated for treatment with 2,4-D. A total of 1,000 acres will be treated with triclopyr, making that herbicide the backbone of this year's treatment plan. Some 38 acres of infested waterway at Priest Lake will be treated with triclopyr.

An herbicide containing Endothall will be paired with either triclopyr or 2,4-D to treat another 415 acres in the Pend Oreille.

The state rejected the county's proposed use of a fluridone-based herbicide called Sonar, a product with the fewest water use restrictions. Sonar was being used around drinking water intakes, but ISDA officials felt it was costly and ineffective, especially in areas with swift-moving water, according to county noxious weed director Leslie Marshall.

“I think it's off the table for this year,” Young said of the 129 acres of planned Sonar treatments.

But Commissioner Todd Crossett said it's too soon to rule out the effectiveness of Sonar because it's a slow-release product which might not show any discernible effect for up to a year.

“It may well be working, but we don't know it yet,” said Crossett, who added that the ISDA was withholding the results of a post-treatment survey that was conducted.

Marshall said products comparable to the mildness of Sonar are in development, but doubted they would make it to the marketplace by the time herbicide applications start.

The use of herbicides continues to deeply divide the community. Some fully support the county's use of herbicides, while others remain firmly against the practice due to public health and environmental concerns.

The state approved $27,000 in funding to conduct diver dredging of exotic milfoil in the Pend Oreille River at Priest River. Divers will commence the work after an estimated 15 acres of infestation at Bonner Park West and The Mudhole are treated with herbicide. Post-treatment dredging of about 6 acres at Priest Lake is also planned.

Another $8,100 is being put toward the post-treatment use of 404 bottom barriers in the Pend Oreille and at Priest. Nearly a half-million dollars was approved for water monitoring and sample collection.

The state denied $182,000 in funding sought for new signs and educational programs because the legislative intent of funding is “on-the-ground” eradication of Eurasian milfoil, according to the grant.

Commissioners accepted the grant funding on Tuesday, but Crossett attempted to abstain from the vote to protest the withheld survey.

“I don't feel like I can say yes to this with the state withholding that information from us,” said Crossett.

Commission Chairman Lewis Rich and Young bristled at Crossett's attempt to abstain. Rich said the board's civil counsel has advised them such a vote can only be cast if an official does not participate in the process leading to a decision. Crossett has followed the issue closely.

After being prevented from abstaining, Crossett voted against the acceptance of the grant funding.