Noxious weeds to be sprayed

COEUR d'ALENE - Forest Service officials at the Coeur d'Alene River Ranger District have announced their annual weed spraying program will begin as soon as weather allows, and continue through October.

Chemicals to be used include 2,4-D, Clopyralid, Metsulfuron Methyl, Triclopyr, Chlorosulphuron, Glyphosate, and Picloram.

Crews will target spotted knapweed, meadow hawkweed, orange hawkweed, St. Johnswort, Canada thistle, Scotch thistle, rush skeletonweed, dalmatian toadflax, yellow toadflax, leafy spurge, blueweed, Scotch broom, Japanese knotweed, tansy ragwort, and common tansy.

This project is part of an integrated pest management program that includes hand-pulling of weeds, chemical treatment, seeding/fertilizing of competitive native grasses, and biological controls. Treatments will be accomplished in accordance with the Idaho Panhandle National Forests' Weed Pest Management Environmental Impact Statement.

Information: Bonnie Thomson, 769-3058, or Val Goodnow, 769-3061, at the Fernan Office of the Coeur d'Alene River Ranger District.