HomeMy WebLinkAboutNatural Resources July 9 1996WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Natural Resources Committee
July 9, 1996
The meeting was called to order at 11 a.m. by Committee Chair Marlene Dawson in the
Council Committee Room, 311 Grand Avenue.
Also Present: Absent:
Tom Brown None
Kathy Sutter
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. DISCUSSION REGARDING EDUCATION OPTIONS AND FUNDING FOR
THE NOXIOUS WEED BOARD (AB96 -235)
Dawson summarized this issue, and asked what and how much could/would be the
involvement of Cooperative Extension regarding education options.
Those speaking included:
Laurel Baldwin, Weed Control Coordinator
Craig McConnell, Cooperative Extension
Ray Fann, Chair, Noxious Weed Control Board
Bob Woods, Council Budget and Program Analyst
McConnell noted that crop sites are on intensive weed management programs. He stated
the dairy industry is intensively managed, so there is not that much problem with noxious weeds.
McConnell stated that since 1981, there has not been a strong program directed toward the
livestock, as opposed to the dairy industry. The groups the Noxious Weed Board deals with are
not addressed by his department. He spoke to a livestock master program but recognized funding
resources would be needed. Cooperative Extension has a different purpose than the Weed Board.
McConnell's department targets youth and 4H groups and focuses on production agriculture.
Discussion followed. Those topics discussed included: weekly problem inspections;
priority of attention to various weeds; and economic impacts of noxious weeds.
Farm spoke to losing ground to noxious weeds in recreation areas and parks, which is
costly. He stated the Board's biggest problem are those small properties having no economic
effect on agriculture but having a tremendous economic effect on recreation. He noted the
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change from farmer- oriented broadening to ecology. He stated state highway departments do
very little unless there is an active weed board.
Topics committee members discussed included: how to make the Weed Board more
efficient; giving direction to the Weed Board instead of Cooperative Extension; identify other
areas needing education; use of volunteers; property posting (notice to public that this is a
"(whatever) noxious weed area..., etc." for public education); and use of community
organizations.
Fann pointed out it is very costly to have equipment and labor ready to go and no
volunteer (who have previously signed up) shows.
Proposed solutions included: a home association can fine violators and thereby educate
various people; a city /County proclamation of a "Weed Week "; and an announced "Clean Up
Day", e.g.
Fann stated his department is short on funds; "teeth" are needed for enforcement of
violations; and state grants are simply gone.
Council decided to keep education on the Weed Board. McConnell suggested a revenue
account be established for the Weed Board. There is, however, no funding right now. The target
must be found.
ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 11:35 a.m.
Elizibeth Bennett, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
r Marlene Dawson, Council Member
Natural Resources Minutes, 7/9/96, Page 2