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The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has awarded $95,000 in grant funds for 2021 to combat some 48 plants they list as noxious weeds. Cook County Soil and Water will receive their cut $5,000 to manage invasive species along the Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway, over the next year. Since protecting our county’s ‘soil and water’ is the mission of CCSW, doesn’t it seem counterproductive to spray toxic agro-chemicals on that soil and water? Is CCSW legally licensed to apply herbicides? Does our County Engineer/ Ag- Inspector have jurisdiction over this effort? Has anyone considered exposure to children at rural school bus stops or postal employees traveling daily through treatment areas? Posting is apparently not required…either before, during or after herbicide applications.
Most plants considered ‘invasive species’ are now so endemic to our landscape that no amount of herbicide will ever eradicate them. Many of these ‘weeds’ add color to roadside ditches and are often featured in tourist brochures and business calendar photos.
Rather than adding to the herbicide assault that Arrowhead Electric is currently conducting on power line right-of-ways, perhaps CCSW should do what they do best…come up with ‘innovative’ outreach slogans like “Spread the Word, Not the Species” and “Clean Your Johnson” to educate the public. Perhaps something specifically targeting invasive species like “Whack Your Thistle” or “Pull Your Tansy” tee shirts?
Managing nature with toxic chemicals…what a brilliant idea!
Bob LaMettry,
Grand Marais
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