DEVELOPING NATURAL RESOURCE EXTENSION VOLUNTEERS THROUGH THE WEED WATCHERS PROGRAM
Van Vleet, S.1; Kerr, S.21WSU-Whitman Co. Agricuture and Natural Resources Extension Educator, Washington State University, Colfax, WA, 99111
2WSU-Klickitat Co. Extension Director, Washington State University, Goldendale, WA, 98620
Abstract:
Noxious weeds are a growing agricultural and natural resource concern in the western U.S. They decrease crop yields and increase costs of production; decrease biodiversity; clog waterways; and out-compete native plants, reducing wildlife habitat and food. Infestations of just yellow starthistle and knapweeds cause nearly $1 million in decreased forage production in Eastern Washington alone. There are 140 noxious weeds on Washington State’s noxious weed control list, up from 92 species a decade ago. Noxious species are targeted for eradication, containment, prevention, control or public education; another 26 species are being monitored. In 2009, responding to the growing problem and reduced state funding to address it, two Washington State University Extension educators and one county noxious weed control board director developed a program to train volunteers to locate noxious weeds and report their findings to appropriate regulators. This educational opportunity was advertised to the public and targeted audiences such as Audubon groups, native plant societies, backcountry equestrian clubs and others active and interested in natural resource conservation. A SARE grant funded the program. Volunteers received 18 hours of classroom and field training on weed identification, state weed law, resources, agencies and use of GPS and digital photography for reporting purposes. Impacts include self-reported significant knowledge gains by program participants; a successful volunteer-led effort to establish vouchers for free noxious weed disposal in landfills; identification and control of new noxious weed infestations; sharing of information with neighbors with noxious weed problems; and plans to offer the program in three more counties.