Invasive medusahead threatens area
Courtesy of -CSKT | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 11 years, 10 months AGO
PABLO - A new invasive grass capable of drastically reducing the carrying capacity of range land has been detected in the north Valley Creek area of the Flathead Reservation. The spread of Medusahead may be curtailed by diligent landowner reports to weed-control officials. This information is intended to help identify the weed and encourage more reports.
Medusahead, with bristles that resembles the mythic monster’s head with snakes for hair, has caused great concern among researchers. The Eurasian grass was found in southwestern Oregon in 1884 and has been discovered in 17 Western states in the past decade. Medusahead spreads rapidly through native grasses where perennial vegetation has been destroyed or depleted by newly graded roads, livestock loafing areas, grazing, invasive species, or where fires cleared an area. The weed is virtually inedible, offers little value for livestock and wildlife due to its high silica content, and it prevents other plants from germinating. Medusahead may replace cheatgrass.. Healthy native plant communities are less susceptible but not resistant to medusahead colonization.
Medusahead takes advantage of deep soil moisture yet produces seed two to three weeks after cheatgrass. Medusahead appears matt-forming due to its ability to cover an area to the detriment of other plants. At the end of its growing season Medusahead seeds remain attached to stem unlike many other troublesome weeds.
Medusahead has rapid fall germination and root growth throughout the winter. It reduces water availability for more palatable pasture and range grass and forage. This invasive grass creates abundant litter that does not decompose easily, reducing the ability of other species to sprout and grow. Medusahead can significantly reduce the livestock carrying capacity of infested rangeland.
Please be on the lookout for this plant along dirt roads, utility corridors, and other disturbed sites, especially in the Valley Creek, Jocko, Ravalli and Dixon areas. If you see this plant, please contract:
1) The CSKT Lands Department at 676-2700, Ext. 1240,
2) Lake County Weed Control at 883-7330,
3) Sanders County Weed Department at 826-3487, or
4) Missoula County Weed Control at 258-4200
ARTICLES BY COURTESY OF -CSKT
Area enters Stage I restrictions
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes implemented Stage I Fire Restrictions on Aug. 1 on the Flathead Indian Reservation. Stage I Fire Restrictions prohibit campfires outside of approved recreation sites. Additionally, smoking is prohibited outside of buildings, vehicles and developed recreation sites, unless you are in a 3-foot diameter area cleared of all burnable vegetation.
Invasive medusahead threatens area
PABLO - A new invasive grass capable of drastically reducing the carrying capacity of range land has been detected in the north Valley Creek area of the Flathead Reservation. The spread of Medusahead may be curtailed by diligent landowner reports to weed-control officials. This information is intended to help identify the weed and encourage more reports.
Public comments sought for waterfowl hunting regulations
The Flathead Indian Reservation Fish and Wildlife Advisory Board is seeking comments on the Draft 2012-2013 Hunting Seasons, Shooting Hours and Limits for Migratory Waterfowl. A copy of the draft regulations can be obtained by contacting Dale Becker, Tribal Wildlife Program Manager at (406) 883-2888 or by email at [email protected]. Comments will be accepted through 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 29, 2012 and may be sent to Dale Becker, Program Manager, CSKT Wildlife Management Program, P. O. Box 278, Pablo, Montana 59855 or to [email protected]. A public meeting to accept comments will be held in the Tribal Division of Fish, Wildlife, Recreation and Conservation Conference Room at 406 Sixth Avenue East in Polson, Montana at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, August 27, 2012.