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Invasive plant control sign-up begins April 15
MONTEREY - The Highland County Board of Supervisors has approved and broadened an invasive plant control program under which Highland landowners can apply for an incentive payment to offset chemical control costs for ridding property of targeted invasive species. Property must be a minimum of 10 percent in- fested to qualify. Landowners can receive up to 50 percent cost share on chemicals approved under the program's guidelines.
In 2007, landowners were only authorized to control multiflora rose. This year, supervisors expanded the program to include barberry and autumn olive. Like multiflora rose, barberry and autumn olive are frequently dispersed by birds and establish themselves on poor soils, crowding out native plants.
Registration for the program runs from April 15 through April 30. To participate, landowners must complete the application and return it to the Highland County Extension Office.Applications should include a Farm Service Agency map with the affected acreage highlighted.
The Mountain Soil and Water Conservation Specialist and Extension Agent will review applications and maps to determine the acreage eligible. In some cases, an on-farm visit may be required. Following this review, approved applicants will be sent a letter indicating the maximum payment for which they would qualify.
Approved applicants may purchase and use only chemicals recommended under the program's guidelines. An original receipt for the purchase must be submitted to the extension officebetween July 16 and July 31. Herbicide applications must be completed by July 31 and treated areas will be subject to spot checks by the district conservation specialist and the extension agent in August and September.
Program participants will receive their incentive payment from Highland County in August or September. The cost share payment is for purchases of chemical controls and does not include equipment or application costs. The payment the participant receives on purchased chemicals will be the lesser of the amount stated in the approval letter or 50 percent of the cost of the chemical.
Qualified applicants will be selected to receive an incentive on a first come basis. A waiting list will be maintained from year to year to accommodate landowners that sign up after all program money has been allocated. Landowners receiving incentive approval but opting not to use the cost share in the designated year will not be allowed to participate again for three years.
For a program application or information, contact the Highland County Extension Officeat (540) 468-2225.
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