Strategic Plan for the Management of Aquatic Invasive Species
Bonner County, Idaho
Acknowledgements
The Bonner County Commissioners (2006-2008) have been instrumental in the management, oversight, and outreach regarding aquatic invasive species, as well as the creation of this document. Thank you to Commissioner Joe Young, Commissioner Lewis Rich, and Commissioner Todd Crossett, who helped in the facilitation and writing of this document. The Bonner County Public Works Director Leslie Marshall and Weed Department Supervisor Brad Bluemer have contributed many hours of time, effort, and energy into these issues also.
The Bonner County Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force, consisting of a diverse assortment of individuals, has been meeting dutifully since its creation in 2006to work out the various aquatic invader issues. To Phil Hough, Jim Brady, John Monks, Susan Drumheller, Steve Holt, Ralph Day, Rose Chaney, Mary Terra-Burns, Craig Brengle, Kate Wilson, Gary Parker, Jamie Davis, Ruth Watkins, John Sugden, Ken Haag, Dave Hussey, Craig Hill, Ken Merrill, Carrie Logan and Nancy Cambron, thank you for your time and commitment to the cause; let’s stop the spread of aquatic invaders to the waters of Bonner County.
We would also like to acknowledge Tom Woolf and Amy Ferriter at ISDA for their support and time away from home to help Bonner County with surveying, public meetings, outreach, and general information about aquatic invasive species and the grant process.
Finally, the aggressive and timely passing of House Bill 869 (2006), House Bill 643 (2008), and House Bill 213 (2009) introduced by Representative Eric Anderson and passed by the Legislature can be construed as the State of Idaho’s dedication to the cause. We would like to thank them for the support to more aggressively attack the aquatic invasive species problems in our waterways.
Executive summary
The Bonner County Aquatic Invasive Species Strategic Plan outlines the issues and impacts associated with aquatic invasive species and identifies ways and means of preventing, managing, and eradicating these species where possible. The plan will serve as a road map for Bonner County waterways, in regard to addressing aquatic invasive species with specific strategies that resolve gaps, spell out priority levels, designate entities, and provide success indicators.
The Strategic Plan is authored, maintained, and implemented by Bonner County and the associated Task Force. Goals in the plan include instituting a long-term management plan for all aquatic invasive species, identifying and augmenting Bonner County resources and staff to address the issues, finding sustainable funding streams to implement prevention, outreach, and control of aquatic invasive species, and to delineate roles for stakeholders. An overarching theme in the plan is for the public and all interested parties to work together to address our current aquatic invasive species issues in addition to preventing new species from infesting Bonner County waterways.
Bonner County and the members of the Task Force believe that it is possible to more adequately address aquatic invasive species issues and work together on a local level to create a management strategy that meets our goals and is sustainable. In order to do this, collaboration with other entities, professionals, and citizens is important and necessary. The strategies included in this plan will serve as steps to get to where we need to be in order to prevent, contain, control and, where possible, to eradicate aquatic invasive species in Bonner County.
In addition to the goals and objectives outlined in this plan, supplemental information such as survey data, waterways maps, educational material and reports, links to related topics, and priority plans for alternative aquatic invasive species treatment are included.
Background
This strategic plan focuses on identifying methods to achieve the goals of Bonner County for managing aquatic invasive species. The strategic plan will provide Bonner County with goals, supported by objectives and strategies for reaching each goal. In addition, the plan will outline the current situation surrounding each goal, assets and accomplishments to date, as well as gaps and strategies to resolve those gaps. The plan will be reevaluated every three to five years.
The Bonner County Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force was created in 2006 by the County Commissioners (Resolution 06-80), who acknowledged that the Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) problem in the Pend Oreille Basin would benefit from further input. After receiving letters of interest, the Commissioners conducted interviews and selected 14 individuals, representing organizations, agencies, or themselves to serve on the Task Force. At that time, the Commissioners deemed it appropriate to assign all aquatic invasive species to the arena of the Task Force responsibilities and participation.
The Task Force plays an advisory role in the decision-making process of the County Commissioners. The Eurasian watermilfoil problem has been recognized and initial efforts have been taken to improve control in Lake Pend Oreille. There have been seven years of some treatment and three years of intense treatment, as of 2009. In 2006 the Idaho State Legislature allocated funding through House Bill 869 to fund the eradication of Eurasian watermilfoil throughout the state; the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) was selected to create and implement a program to select projects that meet the goals of the state, distribute funds, and evaluate success. This has been the main source of funding for Bonner County Eurasian watermilfoil treatment to date.
In 2008, House Bill 643 was passed; it allocates authority and emergency funding to ISDA for the purpose of curbing the spread of other potentially disastrous aquatic invasive species such as the quagga and zebra mussels (Dreissena rostiformis bugensis and Dreissena polymorpha respectively). To date, the mussels have not been discovered in Idaho but have infested waterways in Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and California. Rigorous prevention is needed, as soon as possible, in the form of education, boat wash stations, surveys, and more.
The topics covered in the rest of this plan include a statement of the problem, a mission statement, a values statement, identified goals and strategies, and an appendix. The appendix contains supplementary information for relevant topics covered in the plan.
Problem Statement
Due to escalation of aquatic invasive species spreading in the West, Bonner County is in danger of losing the aesthetic beauty, wildlife habitat, and recreational attributes of its waterways. If left untreated, these aquatic invasive species can eventually blanket boat launches, severely impact the fishery, and impede swimming areas, which could prevent many recreational uses, reduce wildlife habitat in or near the waterways, and adversely effect local communities.
Eurasian watermilfoil is a rooted, perennial dicot that is submersed except for the upper flower-bearing portions; it snags fishing lines and hooks, reducing fishing opportunities and crowding out native plants; it can create monocultures lacking in biodiversity. Eurasian watermilfoil adversely impacts ecosystems by forming dense canopies that shade out native vegetation; it has been documented to survive winters in the region, giving it the edge over native plants for regrowth in the spring. Transport on boats and trailers plays the largest role in introducing this plant species to new water bodies. There could be long-term financial and recreational losses affecting those who live in the county and use Bonner County waterways if Eurasian watermilfoil is not effectively managed. It was first discovered in 1996 in the Pend Oreille River above the Albeni Falls Dam.
Today the infestation is widespread and the tools are limited. Through Legislative funding dedicated to the eradication of Eurasian watermilfoil, the County has been able to aggressively treat the weed with herbicides since 2005; technical support, funding, and oversight has been provided by the Idaho Department of Agriculture (ISDA).
A portion of the public has expressed concerns about the long-term consequences of large-scale herbicide treatment on public and environmental health. In addition, once the funds allocated by the Legislature are spent, the County will need to have their own funding mechanisms in place to manage aquatic invasive species into the future. Resources are limited for trying other approaches, which, to date, has provided the County with little flexibility.
The County is interested in the research and evaluation of all means of controlling aquatic invasive species, including preventative strategies, more education and outreach efforts, revegetation, new technologies, biological control, rapid response protocol, and additional monitoring. It is a goal of the County to reduce Eurasian watermilfoil populations to levels low enough that can be controlled without large-scale herbicide treatments.
While Eurasian watermilfoil is the most significant submersed invasive threat, other invasive species have been discovered in the Pend Oreille system. Curly leaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus) has been associated with high nutrients and is doing well in Lake Pend Oreille; Flowering Rush (Butomus umbellatus) was identified as a third aquatic invasive species in 2007, but neither are currently listed as noxious weeds in Idaho. In addition, there are stands of Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) and Yellowflag Iris (Iris pseudacorus) identified in Lake Pend Oreille. To date, Eurasian watermilfoil has been discovered and treated in Priest Lake and Cocolalla Lake; no other aquatic invasive species have been found in any waterbody other than Lake Pend Oreille and the Pend Oreille River.
Mission
The mission of the plan is to develop and implement a long-term strategy to control aquatic invasive species in a sustainable and adaptable fashion and restore the Lake Pend Oreille habitat to one that is dominated by native aquatic plants. The mission of the Task Force is to make recommendations to Bonner County regarding the monitoring, prevention, and control of aquatic invasive species, with a focus on Eurasian watermilfoil.
Values
Values reflect the community’s culture and priorities and are to be protected by the County during the progression of the strategic plan. Values are a consensus of the task force and stakeholders.
Creativity,
Open-mindedness, dialog, and respect for differing opinions,
Adaptive management,
An integrated approach to weed management,
A healthy ecosystem,
Wildlife habitat and health,
Clean water, and
Public health
About the Goals and Objectives
The governing goal of Bonner County in regard to aquatic invasive species is to manage populations of aquatic invasive species using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, as well as preventative and educational tactics. Implementation for the management of aquatic invasive species in Bonner County requires a broad scope including an emphasis on long-term management, improving Bonner County capacity, developing funding resources, and identifying appropriate roles for stakeholders. These strategies are goals that are specific, measurable, acceptable, realistic, timely, and that will extend the capabilities of the County.
In the plan, timeline designations include “short,” “medium,” and “long” term goals. For the purpose of this document, “short” will be strategies that should be met within one year, “medium” will be strategies that should be met within three years, and “long” will be strategies that should be met within five years. In addition, some of the timelines specify strategies that we start on shortly, but will be “on-going.” An action plan is included in the appendices that maps out the calendar of strategies and responsible parties.
Goals and objectives
GOAL 1: Institute long-term management of Aquatic Invasive Species
Objective 1-1: Determine an acceptable aquatic invasive species population in each body of water in Bonner County.
Current:
Known: large Eurasian watermilfoil infestations in the Pend Oreille River, Lake Pend Oreille, and noted smaller infestations in Priest and Cocolalla Lakes
Known: Curlyleaf Pondweed, Yellowflag Iris, Purple Loosestrife, and Flowering Rush found in the Pend Oreille system
Assets and accomplishments:
The Bonner County Weed Department
Bonner County Commissioners
ISDA input, expertise, and funding
Bonner County Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force
Public participation
Gaps:
Lack of data on level of infestation in each Bonner County waterbody
Need to define impacts of AIS to beneficial uses and better knowledge of consequences of various levels of infestation
Strategies:
1. Conduct additional surveys to augment State surveys.
Timeline: Medium
Success indicators: Obtain data and incorporate into plan. Continue and expand Priest Lake volunteer survey program. Gain a better understanding of the level of aquatic invasive species infestation in all Bonner County waterways.
Who: County and/or volunteer efforts
2. Partner with ISDA or University to obtain information on impacts and consequences of aquatic invasive species (lit review).
Timeline: Medium (and ongoing)
Success indicators: Provide information to the County, the public, State agencies, etc. Better understanding of long-term impacts (biological, ecological, social, and economic). Expert input on impacts of untreated aquatic invasive species infestations.
Who: Task Force
3. Work with ecologist to model and/or obtain information on impacts of aquatic invasive species on the environment.
Timeline: Long (on-going)
Success indicators: Obtain reports from record examiner, divers, and herbicide applicator. Compile information and share with public and stakeholders.
Who: Bonner County public works. Task Force to act as sounding board for County data provided to ecologist, when identified
4. Develop a document that outlines acceptable levels of infestation for all water bodies in Bonner County.
Timeline: Medium
Success indicator: Absence/tolerable amount of aquatic invasive species in Bonner County waterways. Initial draft soon (“no tolerance” policy in waters without aquatic invasive species).
Who: Task Force
Objective 1-2:
Develop a methodology for a priority list of areas for control.
Current:
We have identified some priority areas, but not yet ranked
Varying opinions about priorities
Assets and accomplishments:
Some degree of mapping (ISDA and County)
Public participation
Priorities identified for ISDA application
Aerial surveys
IDFG has some info on use of sites and important bird areas, fish habitat, etc
Gaps:
Lack of comprehensive list of potential priority areas
Lack of ranked priority areas
Lack of boat travel data/high usage areas/critical wildlife areas
Strategies:
1. Develop a list of all water bodies, and segregate specific Pend Oreille water bodies.
Timeline: Medium
Success indicators: List of water bodies in County produced and utilized.
Who: County/Task Force
2. Develop risk assessment for potential priority areas (boat travel, high usage areas, and critical wildlife).
Timeline: Short (and on-going)
Success indicators: Evaluate highest priority areas. List of high to low risk areas relevant to presence of aquatic invasive species. Risk of re-infestation, risk to beneficial use (boating, wildlife, etc).
Who: Task Force and technical expertise. Bonner County Waterways Committee. State and Federal agencies
3. Develop a list of criteria and methodology for identifying priority areas.
Timeline: Short
Success indicators: List of criteria. Consistent process for determining and selecting treatment areas.
Who: Task Force and technical expertise. Bonner County Waterways Committee. State and Federal agencies
Objective 1-3:
Institute and/or develop specific and regular environmental monitoring programs (for drinking water, untreated surface water, and cumulative ecological impacts).
Current:
The Tri-State Water Quality Council conducts an annual water quality monitoring program.
Bonner County has close contact with Water Districts and Cities within the County; they are notified of herbicide treatments.
All public water systems are required to test for certain chemicals/organic compounds, but are not required to test for herbicide residues.
The ISDA grant paid for monitoring in 2007 and 2008.
ISDA is funding a part-time employee in 2008 to assist in third-party monitoring.
Assets and accomplishments:
House Bill 643 (Invasive Species Act of 2008) could require IDEQ to provide oversight for monitoring.
Bonner County monitors water to the extent that is required with herbicide application.
IDEQ monitors drinking water (requirement of the Clean Water Act).
Toxicology studies are conducted for registration of herbicides (and supplemental) by EPA.
Gaps:
A portion of the public is distrustful of existing water quality monitoring.
All public water systems are required to test for certain chemicals/organic compounds, but are not required to test for herbicide residues.
Public does not see results (scientifically displayed, hard to read, untimely).
Need to know who monitors what, and when.
Monitoring is expensive and time consuming.
Complicated nature of testing for cumulative ecological impacts.
Strategies:
1. Notify cities and municipalities of herbicides used; request that they test for those herbicides.
Timeline: Short (on-going)
Success indicators: Better coordination and communication with municipalities and public on water testing protocol and programs. Safeguard with more entities testing.
Who: Bonner County/Task Force members with interest in addressing issue
2. Maintain and further explore third-party monitoring.
Timeline: Long
Success indicators: Third party (non-County, non-contractor) monitoring during herbicide application.
Who: ISDA is currently conducting third-party monitoring. Task Force/County to work with them on sustainability for program
3. Solicit university and/or professionals to do research/literature review on cumulative environmental impacts of herbicide treatment.
Timeline: Long
Success indicators: Research/literature reviews to provide background information and data in order to make informed decisions about control/treatment options. Share with public and all interested stakeholders (regionally).
Who: Task Force member with interest and means to search for research opportunities for literature reviews (with Universities and/or experts in the field). Regional stakeholders.
4. Public education on products, impacts, and registration process of herbicides.
Timeline: Medium (on-going)
Success indicators: Better knowledge of problem, issues, and preventative methods in the community at large.
Who: County, Task Force, stakeholders and volunteers
5. Solicit expertise on EPA registration process/studies on registered herbicides.
Timeline: Medium
Success indicators: Less questions regarding registration process, understanding of parameters of EPA process for registering/approving/assigning labels to specific herbicide products.
Who: Task Force/Outreach and Education Subcommittee
6. Develop communication plan for monitoring results on website/print in local media.
Timeline: Long
Success indicators: Better understand of where/how the public gets information about aquatic invasive species and how they use it. Conduct survey to get better data. Better knowledge of if people are getting answers to questions/adequate information, etc. Utilize Outreach and Education Subcommittee to find clear way of communicating results (hard to read, technical).
Who: Task Force/Outreach and Education Subcommittee
Objective 1-4:
Prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species.
Current:
Awareness that other aquatic invasive species exist and pose a threat to all water bodies.
Known: Flowering Rush, Eurasian Watermilfoil, Curly Leaf Pondweed, Yellowflag Iris and Purple Loosestrife found in the Pend Oreille system.
Eurasian Watermilfoil is currently being treated in the Pend Oreille system, Priest Lake, and Cocolalla Lake.
Angler activity in Bonner County accounts for $24.6 million annually (2003)—potential impacts to fishery/angling due to aquatic invasive species such as quagga/zebra mussels.
Assets and accomplishments:
Bonner County Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force, the Bonner County Weed Department, and the County Commissioners, Selkirk Cooperative Weed Management Area group
One boat wash station (currently at Priest Lake Visitor Center).
Bonner County monitoring traps in Lake Pend Oreille for Quagga/Zebra Mussels.
Signage on aquatic invasive species at boat launches and marinas.
Development of ISDA Eurasian watermilfoil Strategic Plan.
ISDA Lake Pend Oreille survey (2007, Dr. Madsen) identifies all plant species present in system.
House Bill 643 passed in 2008 addressing Aquatic Invasive Species.
Northern Interior Columbia Basin group (regional) developed and met once in 2008.
ISDA estimated economic impacts to State of Idaho if mussels are introduced (over $90 million annually)—see appendices.
ISDA/ANS Task Force created mussel risk assessment and monitoring protocol—see appendices.
Gaps:
Lack sufficient public knowledge of potential aquatic invasive species.
Community is not aware of all aquatic invasive species threats.
Insufficient enforcement of existing noxious weed law (illegal to transport).
Noxious weed law difficult to enforce.
Insufficient boat wash stations and other preventative tactics.
No special prevention efforts at individual boat ramps.
Lack of funding for education and prevention.
Lack of regional communication about present species and management tools (i.e. neighboring states, counties, and countries).
Strategies:
1. Identify recognized aquatic invasive species in the U.S. that do not yet exist in Idaho. Those that potentially could grow in Lake Pend Oreille should be recognized and researched.
Time-line: Short
Success indicators: Obtain/conduct the review and assess the risks. Work to gain programs that will prevent the spread of new aquatic invaders to Bonner County/regional waters.
Who: County/Task Force
2. Informational inserts on aquatic invasive species and preventative techniques in boater registration documents, utility bills, county notifications, etc.
Timeline: Short (on-going)
Success indicators: Enhanced public knowledge of aquatic invasive species; would reach a broad audience of county residents.
Who: County
3. Inform public of potential new invaders (via online resources, the media, pamphlets, and signs near boat launch areas).
Timeline: Short (on-going)
Success indicators: The public can be surveyed to see how many become aware of new species (high risk species, how they are transported, what people can do to help). Increased knowledge of aquatic invasive species impacts and issues.
Who: The new information can be transferred to the media by a communications specialist in the county, by University of Idaho Extension, the county weed department, the Outreach and Education Subcommittee, or a combination of these groups
4. Lobby for more enforceable noxious weed laws.
Timeline: Long
Success indicators: Clear and enforceable noxious weed laws in regard to transportation and control of aquatic invasive species. Clearly delineated enforcement agencies with protocol in place for quick action.
Who: Committed stakeholders and volunteers
5. Interagency coordination on signage at sites; survey existing signage.
Timeline: Medium (on-going)
Success indicators: Adequate and maintained signage at all launches and appropriate sites
Who: County and other entities who own/manage public access sites
6. Determine advantages/disadvantages of using mazes for weed-free boat launches.
Timeline: Medium
Success indicators: Better understanding of how mazes work, if they would be appropriate in our waterways, and where to get them. Implementation and maintenance plan for mazes at designated launches (if appropriate).
Who: Task Force/Alternate Treatment Subcommittee
7. Pursue portable hot-water high-pressure boat wash stations (if/where appropriate) and partnering opportunities.
Timeline: Medium
Success indicators: Research on wash stations available (merits, disadvantages of each). List of priority sites for boat wash stations. Partners to assist in management of program (local businesses, anglers, user groups, County, City, etc.). End result would be a consistent boat wash station program with multiple units in high-trafficked areas; these stations would have 140 degree high-pressure water to address mussel and other aquatic invasive species issues. Investigate feasibility of mandatory wash for all boats.
Who: Task Force/Alternate Treatment Subcommittee
8. Conduct boater surveys to gain information on demographics, where boats come from, general knowledge of aquatic invasive species spread, boater practices, etc.
Timeline: Short (on-going)
Success indicators: Data gathered on boaters, pathways of invasion, etc. Increased boater knowledge of aquatic invasive species, prevention methods, and impacts.
Who: Task Force members (with the ability to administer funds)
9. Hold regional workshops/meetings on aquatic invasive species to facilitate better communication and coordination on present species, threatening species, efforts to prevent and control, etc.
Timeline: Short (on-going)
Success indicators: Communication and collaboration with neighboring entities
Who: County/Task Force to facilitate regional meeting(s) with the State of Montana, the State of Washington, British Columbia, regional counties and management agencies, etc.
10. Support other entities in their efforts to reduce nutrient loading.
Timeline: Medium (on-going)
Success indicators: Reduced nutrient loading to the nearshore areas of Bonner County waterways; increased knowledge of potential impacts from land activities. Investigate relationship of aquatic invasive species populations in relation to nutrient loading.
Who: County, Task Force (Tri-State Water Quality Council Lake Nearshore Committee, IDEQ, BSWCD, NRCS, and Lake*A*Syst are all working on curbing nutrients)
Objective 1-5:
Develop and implement public education strategies.
Current:
Bottom barrier research project in Bottle Bay will be finished summer 2008; will be putting out results of the work
The County has some Eurasian Watermilfoil information at:
co.bonner.id.us/publicworks/weeds.html.
Clean Lakes, Inc. (contractor hired in 2007 and 2008) created information website on treatment sites: www.pendoreillemilfoil.com
Signage provided by ISDA to boat launches.
Existing signage at public sites.
Bonner County has been denied funding for temporary summer FTE, plus materials, county hot line, web site management, school education (pamphlets and materials for presentations), public information series workshops, interpretational water testing in public areas for public education.
Public awareness through local media (mostly River Journal and Bonner County Daily Bee articles.
Idaho Weed Awareness Campaign materials are available.
Boat wash station at Priest Lake.
Moderately engaged citizenry.
List serve is available to all interested parties.
Assets and accomplishments:
Bonner County Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force, Bonner County Weed Department, Bonner County Commissioners, Selkirk Cooperative Weed Management Area group, University of Idaho Extension Service
Information on the web (aquatic invasive species).
Mass mailing to all of Bonner County property owners (for herbicide application, dates, and areas).
Aquatic invader identification and informational workshops.
IDL residential bottom barrier permits (five 10’x10’ allowed per applicant).
Coloring book on Eurasian watermilfoil for students.
Annual water festival (Bonner County 5th graders).
Contractor website and information center (2007).
Boater Survey program (began in 2007, continued and expanded in 2008.
Lake*A*Syst/BSWCD website (information).
AIS Brochures.
Fair booth displays.
Gaps:
Too much info on the web; public doesn’t necessarily know how to access accurate information.
Targeted education for key users (i.e. boaters, anglers, marinas, etc.).
Engage public to help with educational aspects of aquatic invasive species infestations.
Lack of funding for education and prevention tactics.
State education programs not site-specific.
Public lacking information on herbicide products, process, and application.
Lack of understanding of public perceptions throughout community.
Strategies:
1. Conduct boater surveys to gain information on demographics, where boats come from, general knowledge of aquatic invasive species spread, boater practices, etc.
Timeline: Short term (on-going)
Success indicators: Data gathered on boaters, pathways of invasion, etc. Increased boater knowledge of aquatic invasive species, prevention methods, and impacts.
Who: Task Force members (with the ability to administer funds)
2. Provide information to public on aquatic invasive species.
Timeline: Short term (on-going)
Success indicators: Better understanding of issues, limitations, and scope of infestations. Public engaging in preventative methods
Who: County/Task Force, Stakeholders
3. Public opinion survey on perceptions, attitudes, and knowledge (third party to design and conduct survey to solicit information).
Timeline: Long
Success indicators: Better knowledge of public perception, targeted audience, stakeholders identified. Use results to target, design and implement a public awareness campaign about aquatic invasive species (either solely or with other entities/water issues).
Who: Task Force/Outreach and Education Subcommittee
4. Solicit funding and resources to augment signage.
Timeline: Medium
Success indicators: Work with agency resource managers to help track signage issues (where missing, vandalized, etc.). Better documented implementation/maintenance of signs at launch sites. All sites, public and private, will have proper signage on aquatic invasive species (not just EWM). Plan for regularly checking, maintaining, and replacing signs.
Who: Task Force/Outreach and Education Subcommittee; ISDA for signage
Objective 1-6: Research and evaluate control techniques, including – but not limited to – biological, cultural, chemical and mechanical.
Current:
Utilize herbicide application, limited diver dredging and bottom barrier control measures (methods allowed by ISDA currently).
Limited flexibility in control options, no funds for research with ISDA Eurasian watermilfoil funding.
Assets and accomplishments:
State sponsored survey work to evaluate effectiveness of control methods (and report).
Consensus on need for an Integrated Pest Management Plan.
Alternate Treatment Subcommittee working on issues (see action plan in Appendices).
Gaps:
Lack of sufficient/desired funding for alternative treatment methods besides the ones allowed by ISDA.
Lack of peer-reviewed research on emerging control techniques applicable to our waterways.
Strategies:
1. Create subcommittee/group to focus on funding and partnerships.
Timeline: Short (*priority)
Success indicators: Active group, partnerships created, proposals brought forward.
Who: Task Force/Alternate Treatment Subcommittee
2. Develop list of research projects and identify potential partner interests.
Timeline: Short (*priority)
Success indicators: List developed and added to plan. List options paired with funding sources as they arise/are found.
Who: Task Force/Alternative Treatment Subcommittee
3. Seek funding for research projects on emerging treatment techniques.
Timeline: Medium (on-going)
Success indicators: Obtain funding; begin research and evaluation projects for alternative and emerging technological methods of control/eradication. Would result in more management options for treatment and control and have scientific/peer-reviewed studies.
Who: Task Force/Alternative Treatment Subcommittee, County grantwriter
4. Partnership with other entity to do research (such as a University, USACE, etc).
Timeline: Short (on-going)
Success indicators: Partnerships with County to augment management of aquatic invasive species and share information. Generate new site-specific information on what has potential to work on Bonner County waterways.
Who: Subcommittee to start process, on-going work on seeking partnerships
Objective 1-7: Develop Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan based on Strategic Plan.
Current:
Only herbicide application, limited diver dredging and bottom barriers utilized by current funding.
Operate on annual treatment plans.
County Weed Department has a minimal plan that covers only generic measures.
Assets and accomplishments:
History of annual treatment plans.
Survey data can be used to evaluate effectiveness of control measures.
ISDA Eurasian watermilfoil Strategic Plan.
Accumulated information from collaboration of Task Force and County.
Lessons learned from diver dredging and bottom barriers.
Increased public awareness since beginning of aquatic projects.
Gaps:
Only annual treatment plans.
Information gaps on efficacy of diver dredging.
Lack of funding to create IPM plan.
Lack of information needed to create IPM plan.
Strategies:
1. Identify funding sources and generate funding for development of IPM plan.
Timeline: Short
Success indicators: Create working group or subcommittee to address need for an IPM plan. Funding and implementation for IPM plan.
Who: Subcommittee/group or County Grantwriter
2. Find a consultant to develop IPM plan.
Timeline: Medium
Success indicators: Qualified consultant hired and of assistance in writing plan.
Who: Task Force/Bonner County
3. Incorporate findings of various objectives of Strategic Plan in development of IPM plan and annual update.
Timeline: Medium (on-going)
Success indicators: Living document that can be changed and updated annually; IPM plan to guide management decisions.
Who: Task Force or subcommittee with consultant
Objective 1-8: Develop rapid response protocol for containing/controlling new aquatic invasive species infestations.
Current:
No rapid response protocol.
People can call in new infestations of aquatic invasive species (to State).
The Invasive Species Council has a website and call-in number.
Public brings in suspect aquatic plant samples to County transfer sites per Weed Supervisor’s protocol.
Assets and accomplishments:
Mussel traps in Lake Pend Oreille (since 2004).
County Weed Department resources.
ISDA has a state rapid response protocol for Eurasian Watermilfoil; currently being generated for invasive mussels, more to come for other aquatic invasive species.
Idaho Weed Awareness Campaign (includes identification information).
Information booth at annual County Faire, boat shows, etc.
Increased public awareness.
Gaps:
Lack of public information on process of identifying aquatic species.
Lack of data on specific aquatic invasive species threats to waterways (to identify risk level and vulnerability).
Limited coordination between agencies to respond to/evaluate new or invading infestations.
Lack of master protocol to follow (for consistency).
No physical inspection of boats at this point.
Strategies:
1. Inventory existing resources.
Timeline: short (*priority)
Success indicators: Inventory (of resources including staff, equipment, and other resources) developed and needs identified. Gaps noted and solutions pursued.
Who: County, Task Force, State
2. Develop a coordinated rapid response protocol for the County (to be evaluated annually).
Timeline: Short (*priority)
Success indicators: Plan that would identify coordination needed between agencies to respond rapidly to new or invading infestations (with each specified).
Who: Bonner County, Task Force, State, etc.
3. Get information to the public on what protocol to follow if they find a suspect aquatic plant.
Timeline: Short
Success indicators: A well-informed public and agencies who are familiar with the process. Better knowledge of extent of aquatic invasive species infestations.
Who: County, partners
GOAL II: Identify/create staff and resources within Bonner County to implement the objectives of this Strategic Plan.
Objective 2-1: Identify current staff and resources.
Current:
Bonner County Public Works and Weed Department (staff of 2.5)
Bonner County Commissioners
Bonner County Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force
Assets and accomplishments:
Engaged Weed Department
GIS Department as support
County boats (2), GPS units, camera, computer with mapping systems, and offices
Increased ability to develop/update County website
Tri-State Water Quality Council involved in Sanders County Milfoil Task Force in Montana.
State of Idaho engaged in dialogue with Montana about Eurasian milfoil, Flowering rush, and Curlyleaf pondweed (all in lower Clark Fork River reservoirs).
Gaps:
GIS Department underutilized.
General lack of County personnel during summer.
Lack of boat launch education resources/staff.
Lack of volunteers to help implement programs.
Lack of funding for new County staff/resources.
Lack of resources available to the County (from the State).
No more donations from IDL (lack of resources).
Lack of grant writing capability.
Lack of public information/outreach personnel.
County website does not have a lot of information regarding aquatic invasive species.
Lack of collaboration with other agencies/states/organizations.
Strategies:
1. Utilize County GIS Department more, as needed for survey and monitoring (data processing).
Timeline: Short (*Priority—begin discussion with GIS and Commissioners)
Success indicators: Increased data and coordination between departments; better GIS data internally.
Who: County GIS, Weed Department
2.Develop volunteer base and/or partner with other entities to share volunteers for projects.
Timeline: Short (on-going)
Success indicators: A consistent, expanding volunteer base that assists the County in outreach, education, and specific projects. Also, increased partnership with other organizations that will aid in acquiring volunteers. Create a volunteer subcommittee who can coordinator volunteers to specific tasks.
Who: County, Task Force/Outreach and Education Subcommittee
3. Seek partnerships within other jurisdictions and entities.
Timeline: Short
Success indicators: Active partnerships that will aid in the management of aquatic invasive species.
Who: State of Idaho/ Tri-State Water Quality Council, County (potential partners including: tribes, counties, other nonprofits, other state agencies)
4. Develop and maintain an annual action plan with calendar.
Timeline: Short (*Priority)
Success indicators: A clear and easy-to-use action plan/calendar that will be followed by the designated stakeholders, County, and Task Force members. The calendar will guide the goals and implantation of the Strategic Plan.
Who: Task Force
Objective 2-2: Advocate that Bonner County creates an aquatic invasive species position(s).
Current:
Bonner County Public Works and Weed Department (staff of 2.5)
Bonner County Commissioners
Bonner County Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force
Assets and accomplishments:
Engaged Weed Department, County Commissioners, and Task Force acknowledges work load and need for additional help.
County boats (2), GPS units, camera, computer with mapping systems, and offices
Gaps:
GIS Department underutilized.
General lack of County personnel during summer.
Lack of boat launch education resources/staff.
Lack of volunteers to help implement programs.
Lack of funding for new County staff/resources.
Lack of resources available to the County (from the State).
No more donations from IDL.
Lack of grant writing capability.
Lack of public information/outreach personnel.
County website does not have a lot of information regarding aquatic invasive species.
Lack of collaboration with other agencies/states/organizations.
Work load for Public Works/Weeds Department is large; terrestrial and aquatics too much given land and water resources of Bonner County.
Strategies:
1. Assist County Commissioners in identifying resources and increasing public support for an aquatic species position.
Timeline: Medium
Success indicators: Additional personnel to address aquatic invasive species issues and management. Amount of water in County warrants position.
Who: County Weed Department, Task Force
Objective 2-3: Seek a dedicated grant writer for Bonner County.
Current:
No designated grant writer for Bonner County; each Department identifies and writes own grant.
Assets and accomplishments:
Engaged Weed Department—have gotten some grants over the years (Waterways Improvement, ISDA, etc).
Gaps:
General lack of County personnel during summer—no time to seek/write grants.
Lack of funding for new County staff/resources.
Lack of resources available to the County (from the State).
Lack of grant writing capability.
Public information lacking on work load of Public Works personnel.
Strategies:
1. Seek funding opportunities for Bonner County grant writer (could be for all Departments or aquatic species position could encompass grant writing criteria).
Timeline: Short (*priority—recommendation for this budget year)
Success indicators: Additional funding for Bonner County departments through supplemental grant funds.
Who: County, Task Force
Objective 2-4: Identify opportunities for volunteers.
Current:
Bonner County Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force—some members are volunteers.
Some groups represented on Task Force have volunteer base (PEL, ICL, NPS, etc).
Assets and accomplishments:
Engaged Weed Department.
Moderately engaged citizenry in aquatic issues.
Gaps:
General lack of County personnel during summer.
Lack of boat launch education resources/staff.
Lack of volunteers to help implement programs.
Lack of funding for new County staff/resources.
Lack of resources available to the County (from the State).
Public information/outreach personnel.
Lack of collaboration with other interested volunteer organizations.
Strategies:
1. Build volunteer base through partnerships with Task Force and outside volunteer groups.
Timeline: Medium
Success indicators: Volunteer base to aid in public outreach and education as well as project implementation.
Who: Task Force/Outreach and Education Subcommittee
2. Build list of activities/actions for volunteers to assist with.
Timeline: Medium
Success indicators: Action items that may be carried out with volunteer efforts. Assistance to County and Task Force in implementing plan.
Who: Task Force/Outreach and Education Subcommittee
GOAL III. Identify/develop potential funding mechanisms to address the projects.
Objective 3-1: Increase and/or augment the County budget.
Current:
County budget
State grant funds
Local match resources (Task Force, community donations, other agency resources)
Assets and accomplishments:
County has some aquatic weed budget annually.
State grant funds for Eurasian watermilfoil 2006-2009.
Partners for Milfoil Control established in 2008 and working towards fundraising/grant writing for biological control project.Same as above
Gaps:
Lack of sizeable community donations/fundraising.
Deadlines and restrictions associated with State grant funds—effects County funding.
Lack of diversity and flexibility in funding sources.
Limited ability to increase County budget from year-to-year.
Limited local option taxes and fees.
Lack of non-profit groups interested in administering grant funds.
Lack of a comprehensive list of funding sources.
Strategies:
1.Advocate to the Legislature for increased local funding sources for aquatic invasive species.
Timeline: Medium
Success indicators: Increased ability to levy fees for aquatic invasive species mitigation on a state or local level. Sustainable funding source for the future.
Who: County, Task Force/Outreach and Education Subcommittee
2. Launch a campaign to encourage public citizens to donate funds and/or help fundraise.
Timeline: Medium
Success indicators: Additional funds from local sources. Increased public awareness of issues and funding limitations for projects. More participation.
Who: Task Force/Outreach and Education Subcommittee
3. Participate in ISDA Negotiated Rulemaking under the Idaho Invasive Species Act to create revenue streams to support the objectives stated in this Strategic Plan.
Timeline: Short term (*priority)
Success indicators: Increased ability to levy fees for aquatic invasive species mitigation. Coordinate with ISDA on timelines and parameters for rulemaking.
Who: County Commissioners, Task Force
4. Leverage County resources with supplemental grant funding.
Timeline: Medium (on-going)
Success indicators: Additional resources for County (beyond State and County funding mechanisms).
Who: County grantwriter, subcommittee/group, and partners
5. Explore relationships with non-profits organizations to increase potential for grant administration.
Timeline: Medium
Success indicators: Stronger partnerships with non-profit organizations to act as grant administrators (Panhandle Lakes/RC&D, PAC, etc) and liaisons.
Who: County Commissioners, Task Force
6. List funding sources by public, private, and foundations.
Timeline: Short
Success indicators: Have a list of funding sources with status, criteria, deadlines, and match possibilities identified. Pursue grants on list over time; establish suitable sources for funds.
Who: County grant-writer, Task Force, both subcommittees
7. Engage with other groups and other state agencies/groups to collectively search for funds.
Timeline: Medium
Success indicators: Active partnerships with neighboring states and other groups to share information about species, control efforts, and funding sources.
Who: Task Force, both subcommittees
GOAL IV: Broaden and strengthen relationships among stakeholders.
Objective 4-1: Identify appropriate roles for Bonner County, the Task Force, stakeholders, and the public.
Current:
The Task Force is representative of a broad section of community.
County roles are already defined for the most part.
Assets and accomplishments:
Task Force represents broad section of community.
Task Force in place for 2+ years (2006-2009).
Gaps:
Lack a comprehensive list of stakeholders (any entity that has a stake in the water resources of Bonner County).
Need definition of stakeholder.
Lack of role definitions among stakeholders.
Business community involvement (position open currently).
Strategies:
1. Define stakeholders, create a list of stakeholders and identify roles.
Timeline: Medium
Success indicators: List of interested parties (stakeholders) and designated (agreed to) responsibilities.
Who: Task Force, Outreach and Education Subcommittee
2. Maintain diverse nature of Task Force.
Timeline: Long (on-going)
Success indicators: Explore representatives in business community (position open). Continue to meet regularly and keep the public informed.
Who: Task Force, County Commissioners
Objective 4-2: Seek common ground in regard to controlling aquatic invasive species within the community.
Current:
Differences in preferences for treatment options are detracting from the core invasive species problem.
Community polarized over treatment methods.
Assets and accomplishments:
Task Force has provided forum to discuss issues; open to public.
Community more informed than previous years due to outreach, news coverage, and Task Force.
Gaps:
Distrust within the community with the Task Force and government officials.
More/enhanced communication/dialogue needed with public on aquatic invasive issues.
Credibility gap – distrust with information sources.
Lack of participation in public forums/meetings.
Strategies:
1. Get more information to the community on possible ramifications of not treating aquatic invasive species.
Timeline: Short (on-going)
Success indicators: Research outreach on issue (what is available already?). Pull information together. Use websites and media outlets. Speakers/biologists who have worked on LPO to address specific sites and possible problems, model.
Who: Education & Outreach subcommittee
2. Bring a wide range of speakers and viewpoints to the community address aquatic invasive species/treatments issues and impacts.
Timeline: Short (on-going)
Success indicators: Solicit speaker suggestions. Communicate willingness to host speakers sponsored by other groups.
Who: Task Force, stakeholders, community groups
3. Create a Subcommittee to work on outreach for aquatic invasive species.
Timeline: Short
Success indicators: Crafting messages to increase awareness and participation. Work on coordinating with other events and stakeholder groups. Parade floats. Get groups time on agenda to speak about issues/concerns. Increased number of people engaged in process (meetings, pull weeds, volunteer time to spread awareness, etc.). Surveys on public opinions (find another group to conduct, or run through local media and current resource websites).
Who: Task Force, public (interested citizens)
Objective 4-3: Work with the Legislative/regulatory bodies to support the goals of the plan.
Current:
ISDA funding limitations on local control objectives and funding for enforcement, education, prevention, and other elements of plan.
Assets and accomplishments:
House Bill 643 addresses the importance of the State’s role to support local efforts to control aquatic invasive species.
State solicited input on House Bill 643 and held Rulemaking in Sandpoint (fall 2008).
2009 Legislative session: introduction of House Bill 213–potentially establishing a fund for AIS awareness through increased boat registration fees.
2009 Legislative session: introduction of Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 109 enabling utilization of $5 million in deficiency warrant funds associated with HB643.
Representative engaged in Bills is a Bonner County resident.
It is currently illegal to transport vegetation (externally) in the State of Idaho.
Gaps:
Bonner County does not enforce State weed laws at this time.
There is a general lack of funding/resources for enforcement (Statewide, local, etc.).
State laws inhibit local control objectives in Bonner County specifically.
Limitations on local control objectives and funding for ordinances/rules, enforcement, education and other elements.
Strategies:
1. Ensure Bonner County is involved in rulemaking for House Bill 643.
Timeline: Short (*Priority-rulemaking begins immediately)
Success indicators: Notify public. Request meeting in Sandpoint/Bonner County or call-in/satellite capabilities (U of I extension). Task Force members actively engaged in process.
Who: Task Force individual members/groups
2. Educate Task Force on aquatic invasive species laws (and keep informed).
Timeline: Short (on-going)
Success indicators: Better knowledge of current laws and gaps within the law.
Who: Task Force
3. Engage County Commissioners in enforcement of State aquatic invasive species laws with an emphasis on transportation.
Timeline: Short
Success indicators: Discussion with County Commissioners on issue. Engage Sheriff’s Office. Educate Commissioners/Sheriff/public on potential consequences (up to $10,000 and/or one year imprisoned). Lend support to aquatic issues by including terrestrial invasive species transportation in discussion. Education campaign on issue (locally). Conduct outreach at boat launches, public access points, and private marinas.
Who: Task Force, Outreach and Education Subcommittee
4. Engage Representatives and other Legislative elected officials.
Timeline: Short (on-going)
Success indicators: Ask local Representatives for guidance on lobbying efforts. Create annual Legislative relations plan to network and organize efforts. Plan meeting before session (October/November) to pinpoint priorities; invite Legislators to meeting and follow up during session.
Who: Task Force, Outreach and Education Subcommittee (plan to invite to meeting, agenda item)
5. Seek funding for local law enforcement
Timeline: Short
Success indicators: Discuss funding priorities and options with County Commissioners, local law enforcement, State law enforcement, Legislators, elected officials, and ISDA. Earmark funds for training and increased personnel hours for enforcement.
Who: Task Force, County Commissioners
6. Conduct own literature review on other laws and regulations governing aquatic invasive species around the country.
Timeline: Medium
Success indicator: Continue to build relationships with academic programs (University of Idaho, Boise State University, Washington State University, North Idaho College, etc.). Develop funding sources that could supplement research projects and/or graduate students. Figure out what other states/counties/cities have done to regulate and enforce aquatic invasive species issues.
Who: Bonner County, Task Force
