Division of Agriculture Projects and Coordination Challenges With Invasive Weeds and Agricultural Pests Management Gino Graziano Division of Agriculture

Strategic Planning and Regulation Review – Update Public planning meeting held March 2009 Plan is drafted, pending final edits it will be out for review shortly Regulation review will be forthcoming Ag staff presented information on strategic planning and how to participate at workshops and conferences in addition to the regular planning meeting.

Horticulture Industry Coordination One of many pathways for introduction These businesses are where consumers get products and information Non-regulatory approach Purple loosestrife infestation in Westchester lagoon, Anchorage could affect salmon and waterfowl. Late blight could devastate the potato industry.

Horticulture Industry Coordination Facilitate development of cooperative measures to promote public – Prevention – Management – Cooperation – Purchase of preferred products Ag will promote program – Develop/distribute outreach materials – Air Public Service Announcements Horticulture is one of the largest agriculture sectors in Alaska.

Spotted Knapweed Eradication Recorded at 23 locations Persists at 7 Decreases agricultural production Decreases forage available for game Division of Ag is -Managing each infestation -Developing report to continue efforts Knapweed infested farm in Montana, Knapweed costs Montana economy $14 million/year. Ag and partners work with the Railroad. Alaska project cost is approximately $60,000/year.

Spotted Knapweed Eradication Early Detection- Need increased participation of agencies Equipment washing needs to be increased Tongass National Forest requires equipment washing for projects in remote areas- need to address all areas Knapweed infestation on Turnagain arm (left) and Tongass N.F. road outside of Kake (right). Contaminated equipment. Washing is necessary especially when equipment is from outside.

Canada thistle management - Anchorage Thistle impacts: – Agricultural – Forage for game Prevalent on Anchorage Roadsides Limited distribution in the rest of Southcentral Delta Junction eradicated thistle Kenai Peninsula CWMA will eradicate Thistle infestation in Homer, Alaska Thistle is widely distributed in Anchorage Rack cards can help the public ID and report infestations

Canada thistle management - Anchorage DOT willing to participate in mowing – No other help with control AK railroad managing thistle on property Significant attention needed for private land Thistle infestation bordering Anchorage neighborhood Thistle infests numerous sites on Anchorage road system

Partnering – Agencies and the Public Partnering with Producers and interested groups Cooperative Weed Management Areas Federal agencies strong partners State agencies/divisions slowly coming on board Forest Service personnel assist in managing knapweed Ag staff participate in local workshops

Partnering – Agencies and the Public Provide project specific recommendations – State agencies seeking control advise – DOT, State Parks, ANILCA office – Municipalities Provide presentations and trainings Knotweed shown here infesting a SE Alaska beach is common on SE Alaska roadsides Canada thistle infestation on roadside

Summary Significant progress is being made Division of Agriculture is developing partnerships and projects with multiple agencies State and some fed agencies need direction from their leaders to participate