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In a recent radio interview on WTIP, Arrowhead Cooperative CEO/General Manager John Twiest explained the Cooperative’s intent to add herbicides to its power-line right-of-way Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) plan.
Twiest attempted to quell the community’s concerns about the assortment of herbicides and associated chemicals that will be used along 560 miles of Arrowhead’s ROWs on a five-year rotation. He offered comfort in that 98 percent of the spray would be water. It’s apparent that even at a dilution of 50:1 these herbicides are still toxic enough to effectively kill all the vegetation they target. Cautions made on the manufacturers’ labels warn that after use containers in which these herbicides are shipped…are to be triple rinsed, then punctured to assure against any subsequent use. Sound like chemicals you want sprayed on or near your property?
Currently Arrowhead can only apply herbicides in ROWs running through private property. The Forest Service and DNR have yet to give permissions to Arrowhead. Twiest claims that opting out of this program is possible but warns that property owners that choose to opt-out may incur extra charges for any subsequent mechanical clearing. Does this seem fair? You are currently paying for mechanical clearing with your $49 monthly service charge.
In addition to controlling vegetation in their ROWs, Twiest claims Arrowhead’s goal is to promote wildflowers and protect the environment. I truly hope your gullibility meter vibrates loudly enough to alert you to make the Cooperative’s board aware of your displeasure with herbicide use. This issue will affect everyone who lives, works or recreates in Cook County.
Herbicides are commonly mixed in combination to increase effectiveness and also have ‘adjuvants’ added to enhance absorption and adherence to vegetation. The manufacturers’ labels for herbicides slated for use on Arrowhead’s ROWs can be viewed online…assuming you are concerned enough to read them.
Garlon 3A (triclopyr), Milestone VM (triisopropanolammonium), Vastlan (triclopyr), Progeny (triclopyr/dicamba/ chlorophenoxy ), Tordon K (picloram), Polaris (imazapyr), Liberate (penetrant, adhesion aid), Bark Oil Blue (kills cut brush/stumps)
Haven’t we done enough environmental damage to our planet?
Bob LaMettry,
Grand Marais
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