Inside This Issue:1-Teton Conservation District2-Wyoming Game and Fish Dept.3-4-5 Teton County Weed and Pest 6-National Elk Refuge7-Grand Teton National Park7-Teton Science School8-Bridger-Teton National Forest9-Jackson Hole Land Trust 10-Caribou-Targhee National Forest

Jackson Hole Weed Management Association (JHWMA) This is a summary of JHWMA agency accomplishments in 2012. The JHWMA is a collabortion of various federal, state, local, and private organizations that was formed in 1998. Its primary purpose is to prevent, control, and eventually stabilize the ecosystem from further spread of noxious weed invasions. The JHWMA is approximately three million acres consisting mostly of Forest Service and National Park lands.

Volume 14 March 2013

Teton Conservation District

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The Teton Conservation District (TCD) continued the Noxious Weed Cost-Share program for the 8th season in 2012. This program provides cost-share assistance to private landowners to help control noxious weeds in Teton County, WY. TCD reimburses participants up to 25% of the cost of treating noxious weeds (excluding the cost of herbicides) on their property, up to $150 per acre. Through their agreement with TCD, Teton County Weed & Pest performs landowner correspondence, property visits, creation of weed maps, and weed management plans. In 2012, the program totaled over 400 enrollees, with 279 landowners receiving over $115,000 for work performed on over 27,000 acres. Teton Conservation District grant funds (totaling $20,000), helped the Jackson Hole Weed Management Association (JHWMA) to target noxious weed infestations in critical wildlife habitat areas throughout the Jackson Hole Weed Management Area. Through a contracted horseback sprayer, known patches of high priority weeds are treated yearly, and many new infestations are found, treated, and mapped for follow up treatment in future years. During the summer of 2012, 93.5 days were spent spraying, covering nearly 1000 miles, and over 60 acres of herbicide was applied.

Yellow starthistle Rush skeletonweed

Flower bed of Yellow toadflax and some pretty

fake flowers. With our education

efforts, this photo was the end of this

thriving flower bed.

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Wyoming Game and Fish Department The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) has been working closely with Teton County Weed and Pest (TCWP) on noxious weed control in Teton County. Wyoming Game and Fish has a partnership with Teton County Weed and Pest to control the noxious weeds on Camp Creek, Horse Creek, and South Park Wildlife Habitat Management Areas (WHMAs) along with the three Gros Ventre and Dog Creek feedgrounds. TCWP spent 317 hours over 16 days working on the feedgrounds. Treatment of these areas consisted of treating 17 different noxious weed species with a total of 26.1 acres were treated using primarily spot spraying. Addition-ally surveying was conducted in the Gros Ventre Feedgrounds to update mapping efforts. Also, areas of South Park WHMA were treated as part of a grant received from the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust Fund for control of cheatgrass with restoration plantings of a native grass following the treatments’. Noxious weeds on WGFD lands are problematic because they out compete desirable grasses and forage. If left untreated noxious weeds can cause a dense field that can impede movement to more desirable forage by wildlife. Grazing in areas can sometimes increase densities due to livestock and wildlife eating the surrounding competing forage. Some of the most prevalent weeds found are Canada thistle, musk thistle, and bull thistle; scratches from the spines on the thistles can cause infections to occur. Spotted knapweed is prevalent on several of the feedgrounds in the Teton County area and is an issue because it releases allelopathic phytotoxin, killing surrounding plants and encouraging additional knapweed to grow in those areas, which is similar to herbicides in affect. Elk forage is influenced by spotted knapweed and if removed from the area studies indicate that elk forage in the area will increase on average 266%. Dalmatian and yellow toadflax are also found on some of the feedgrounds, which are problematic because they can be extremely hard to control. Another widespread weed that is present in the WGFD areas is houndstounge. Houndstounge is an issue because of the burs that the dried out seeds create. The burs are easily caught and tangled into the fur of animals and can be carried into the back country easily. Perennial pepperweed is a high priority weed in the Teton County area that has been found in the South Park feedground region. Perennial pepperweed is a concern do to the thick stands it can create. Pepperweed can reduce forage and plant diversity in marshy areas along with areas along waterways. In previous years myrtle spurge and leafy spurge were found but they were not found this year. Leafy and myrtle spurge are high priority weeds that are seriously controlled because it can decrease forage by 75%, if the area has more than 10% coverage than animals will avoid grazing in that area. Animals will avoid eating leafy spurge because it contains an irritating and inflammatory compound. The amount of hay and wildlife movement through WGFD lands is huge and the risk for the movement and dispersal of noxious weeds is a substantial threat that WGFD in cooperation with TCWP are keeping close watch over to prevent the spread of these harmful weeds. WGFD will continue to work closely with TCWP to make sure that noxious weeds are properly managed and dealt with so that the feedgrounds remain viable and healthy ecosystems.

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In an effort to prevent the spread of invasive zebra mussels and noxious aquatic invasive weeds as well as damage to Reclamation’s facilities, the Upper Snake Field Office of the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) initiated annual surveys at Jackson Lake in Sept. 2009. At this time, there have been no zebra mussels or aquatic invasive weeds detected but annual surveys must continue since: 1) no other agency is monitoring for zebra mussels or aquatic invasive weeds in Jackson Lake; 2) boaters from many different states utilize Jackson Lake in the summer months - the introduction of invasive species might be inevitable, but treatable if found soon enough; 3) if the Zebra mussel establishes itself in Jackson Lake the cost to BOR in regards to facility maintenance/protection would be staggering. BOR is the frontline to detecting and preventing these invasive species from establishing in Jackson Lake. Currently BOR contracts the Jackson Lake aquatic mussel/weed surveys with Kent Spaulding (K&M Welding). Approximately 16 hours (over a 3 days period) of sampling are conducted. Areas surveyed include: Colter Bay marina, Signal Bay marina, Leeks marina, and at random points near Jackson Dam. The contractors dive at buoy and dock locations following the cables down to the anchor collecting any suspicious snail/mussels that they find. While they dive, BOR staff throw a rake attached to a rope to drag the bottom and collect vegetation samples. If any suspicious vegetation is found it would be sent to the NRCS Plant ID lab in Aberdeen, Idaho. These surveys are conducted once a year in Sept. for three days (in Sept. because the water is very clear). All data collected as well as sampling sites are shared with Grand Teton National Park; Teton County Weed & Pest District; and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

Bureau of ReclamationEurasian WatermilfoilZebra & Quagga mussels

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Teton County Weed & Pest District Priority Weeds & Summer Crew: Teton County Weed and Pest (TCWP) continues to map and monitor priority species along the Snake River. This year the project was expanded to begin at Jackson Lake, following the Snake River to Palisades Reservoir in Lincoln County, WY. Crews mapped and monitored Perennial Pepperweed, Saltcedar, and other critical weeds occurring on the Snake River islands. Twelve river days were used with 1 new Saltcedar and 20 new Pepperweed locations. 46 reoccurring Peren-nial Pepperweed and Yellow toadflax recorded as treated. Zero new or reoccurring Pepperweed or Saltcedar north of Moose. Thanks to funding received from State & Private Forestry and JHWMA partners this program continues to be a very successful EDRR tactic. Additionally this season, the District managed historic priority (P) 1, 2, & 3 weed points that were on lands not along the Snake River. Many of these weed points are located on private land and along roadways. The management plan for these species is as follows. All P1 species are checked and treated if present. All P2 records are checked and treated unless the infestation exceeded our treatment threshold established for private land. P3 records were treated and checked in areas where they have been identified as rare or isolated outside of private land. This year, TCWP staff identified and recorded locations of 38 new infestations of priority weeds that will be added to this database to be checked and treated (if present) in the future.Biological Control: Mecinus janthinus is fast becoming one of the most successful bio control releases in Teton County. It is obvious these insects are having an effect on Dalmatian toadflax plants. More collections were made this Spring and relocated to other toadflax infested sites. APHIS provided us with a few more of the yellow toadflax specific M. janthinus which were released at our Alta site. Prior to release, we monitored the site for presence to see if the first releases to the site in 2010 are establishing. Three adults were found suggesting that they are able to survive, however low adult numbers and zero evidence on larval activity in previous season stems also suggest that the population is struggling to expand. Monitoring musk thistle crown weevils also took place. Teton county is trying to figure out when the adults of this weevil are most active. Evidence of establishment is observed through larval monitoring and signs of plant damage, but collection of adults has never been productive. Hay: Jackson Hole area, 21 inspections = 2150 acres inspected. Alta area, 25 inspections = 1086 acres inspected. Two hay waivers were issued to one producer to import uncertified straw to his ranch. The District is a big advocate of the use of certified twine. In 2012 we sold 69 units of 170, 210, and 350 strength twine. Mapping: Mapping consisted of three projects. A few more areas were inventoried for cheatgrass. The second year of a sage grouse habitat grant provide new mapping data for a large ATV use area up the Gros Ventre which was inaccessible last season due to high water. In addition, we continue to map more of the private land in the valley through the Conservation District’s cost share program.Mosquito: The 2012 mosquito season brought near-drought conditions to the NW portion of WY, a welcome reprieve for the first full season of the joint Weed/Mosquito effort. Not surprisingly, the hot and dry conditions (and preceding mild winter) also benefitted Culex tarsalis populations,

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which were found earlier in the season, in more locations and in greater abundance than in any of the preceding 8 years since West Nile virus (WNv) vector surveillance began in Teton County. Despite the high Cx. tarsalis levels and widespread adult mosquito trapping efforts, all 83 mosquito samples tested for WNv proved negative. The additional oversight of all Weed & Pest full-time staff and the availability of a sizeable seasonal crew in May and June enabled effective control of both nuisance species and disease vectors and, for 2012, obviated the need for an aerial adulticide application. On August 23, 2012, the WY Department of Health (WDOH) announced a WNv human case in a Teton County resident, a first official human case for our county. However, due to travel outside of the county during infection, WDOH found that the case was allochthonously derived, and no further action was required to mitigate potential human health threats. Education: The education program had a busy year visiting various classrooms and attending many of the local events. These included Home Show, Eco Fair, Native Plant Seminar, Elkfest, Kids Fishing Day, the Teton County Fair and Old Bills Fun Run. This summer began the “Homestead of the Month” program. It awarded landowners who diligently control their noxious weeds and maintain a native landscape. The Habitat and Wildlife 4H Club continued monitoring toadflax growth and their biocontrol bugs at the C-V campus. We also participated with the Teton Science Schools – Service works float trips pulling thistles and Houndstongue. TCWP also assisted with two out of eight, 5th grade float trips through the Snake River Fund. We taught kids about the dynamics along a river system including the unwanted role of invasive species. Door to door visits were also a big part of contacts this summer. Over 90 homes were visited with noxious weed problems throughout Hoback Junction and Alta. AIS Cooperative Projects: In support of the Wyoming Game & Fish Department’s ongoing work to prevent and detect Aquatic Invasive Species that may enter Wyoming; District staff and seasonal crews once again volunteered to assist at the Jackson Lake and Palisades Boat Inspection stations, spending 34 days helping at the stations. Additionally, this year several members of the Staff became Authorized Boat Inspectors in support of that program. The District is partnering with the USGS and Grand Valley State University to determine the feasibility of using ‘environmental DNA’ or eDNA as an early detection technique for aquatic plants. This technology has been proven capable of detecting various invasive species and potentially can detect invasions while eradication is feasible. Staff continued to participate and coordinate other efforts across the area through the Greater Yellowstone Coordinating Committee AIS Subcommittee. Through the GYCC AIS Subcommittee staff are cooperating with multiple partners to develop a regional database that will be used to help coordinate surveying efforts. Office Management/Public Relations: This summer District sold chemical to and provided herbicide recommendations to commercial applicators and private landowners. This season’s equipment loaner program helped a total of 139 homeowners. 102 landowners borrowed backpacks, while another 37 landowners borrowed our larger equipment (ATV tanks, skid sprayer, and trailer sprayers). We continued updating landowners through the monthly e-newsletter sent out to over 230 county residents.

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National Elk Refuge The National Elk Refuge (NER) partnered with Teton County Weed and Pest District (TCWP) for noxious and invasive weed control activities on the refuge in 2012. This is the eleventh year that TCWP has assisted the Refuge with their expertise and staff. The weed crew was comprised of 2 full time NER funded TCWP staff, a part time (1-2 days per week on weed crew) NER Student Conservation Association intern, and occasional NER staff participation. Regular program activities resulted in 2,796 treated acres and 48.98 acres of herbicide applied on State Designated and County Declared Species. An additional 11.99 acres of herbicide was applied specifically to spotted knapweed during the 3 days of Jackson Hole Weed Management Association (JHWMA) Gros Ventre River Spray Days. NER was fortunate to have an 8 person weed crew for this year’s spray days, 4 funded by NER and 4 funded by TCWP. TCWP also provided the majority of the equipment and herbicide for this project. This was the second year of a Jackson Hole valley-wide cheatgrass control project funded by a Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust Fund grant administered by the Teton Conservation District and implemented by the JHWMA. On the NER, 1,777 acres were treated and 30.80 acres of herbicide were applied over a 2 day period by an approximate 20 person weed crew. TCWP led the project with significant participation from Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) and NER staff. Plans are in place for another large effort in an untreated area of NER (McBride management unit) should the grant be awarded for a third year in 2013. In 2012, a total of $44,773 was spent on labor and $2,147 on herbicide ($28,000 NER funding), for a total of 4,573 acres treated and 91.77 acres of herbicide applied. Many thanks go to JHWMA partners TCWP and GTNP for their excellent partnering and support.

Grand Teton National Park The park‘s exotic plant management crew of 15 seasonal employees treated 1400 acres of noxious weeds, primarily using backpack sprayers and utility all-terrain vehicles (UTVs). Personnel spent much of the season focusing on small, isolated exotic plant populations. In addition to these sites, a few of the larger-scale treatment projects include the Gros Ventre River and Cottonwood Creek riparian corridors, LSR Preserve, Kelly hayfields, Moran Cemetery, and Death Canyon. Various volunteer groups assisted with many vegetation management projects. Through an interagency agreement, Teton County Weed and Pest (TCWP) focused on treating primary roadways, while park crews treated the remaining secondary roads. TCWP and NPS staff again inventoried and chemically treated the Snake River corridor for perennial pepperweed and saltcedar. Treatments have been very effective. Several seasonal employees were retained into October and November to complete late season treatments of yellow toadflax and cheatgrass. Overall, these treatments have been very successful in reducing existing populations of exotic species. NPS biologists continued to maintain a spray crew supplemented by pack horses to treat backcountry areas. The horses increase treatment efficiency and supplemented backpack crews by hauling water and supplies to remote locations. In addition, the contracted pack stock spray services of Dave Hanna were utilized in some of the remote areas. On July 31st and August 1st, 70 weed management personnel from the GYCC Noxious Weed subcommittee combined efforts to treat noxious weeds in remote areas of Grand Teton National Park during the first annual GYCC Spray Days. The first day, 14.5 acres of noxious weeds, primarily St. Johnswort, were treated using backpack sprayers on the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve. The second day was spent along the Snake River at the confluence of Cottonwood Creek. The area has limited access so personnel were shuttled to the site via 6 inflatable rafts provided by the Triangle X Guest Ranch. Once on site, several species of exotic plants were either treated manually or chemically for a total of 31 acres. Participating agencies and organizations include Teton County Weed and Pest, Natrona County Weed and Pest, Sublette County Weed and Pest, the Bridger-Teton National Forest, Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Shoshone National Forest, the National Park Service’s Northern Rockies Exotic Plant Management Team, National Elk Refuge, Teton Science Schools, the University of Wyoming, Triangle X Ranch, and Hold the Line. The 4500-acre Kelly hayfields restoration project continued on the Hunter Ranch and Elbo units. Staff applied herbicide to eliminate smooth brome on 104 acres. An additional 190 acres were treated in preparation for seeding and 1156 acres to reduce existing musk thistle populations. Biologists seeded 190 acres with 1200 lbs of native sage, graminoid, and forb seed. To date, biologists have seeded 315 acres in the former hayfields area with native species with plans to complete an additional 175 acres in 2013.

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Teton Science School The Conservation Research Center continued its aggressive weed control program on the Jackson Campus of Teton Science Schools for the seventh year. Weed control efforts continue to focus on Canada thistle, musk thistle, and houndstongue. Mechanical methods (i.e., pulling, mowing) were also used for weed control and were our most-utilized method of control in 2012. We have seen a significant decline in weed populations on our property since aggressive treatment began in 2004. Special thanks to all our staff and volunteers for their energy in controlling weeds. The Roads Scholars, Mighty Stewards group, Service Works group, and other volunteers, staff and participants spent hundreds of hours controlling weeds around Teton Science Schools’ property, particularly focusing on houndstongue, knapweed, mullen and black henbane. Young houndstongue were treated chemically; houndstongue in flower was generally treated manually. Musk thistle were pulled manually or treated chemically. Canada thistle was treated chemically. The Conservation Research Center also participated in the noxious weed cost-share program sponsored by the Teton Conservation District. Contact Person: Brenda Younkin, Conservation Research Center Director. 307-734-3720 or brenda.younkin@tetonscience.org

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2012 saw the Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF) continue its contract with Teton County Weed & Pest (TCWP), with Aaron Foster of TCWP supervising the weed treatment crews and Karl Buermeyer acting as lead for the districts’ noxious weed management program for the field season. All priority infestations were treated, with funding allowing us more flexibility in where we could treat than in 2011. As in previous years, The Forest met its invasive species treatment targets. Between a two person weed spray crew with a truck and UTV conducting front-country weed treatment, and Dave and Karin Hanna conducting horseback spraying in the back country, we treated 379 acres in the Jackson District and 244 acres on the Buffalo District. Priority areas continued to include an infestation of whitetop in the old manure dump at Turpin Meadows, Munger Mountain and Game Creek. Dave and Karin Hanna, performed excellent work in the backcountrys pending considerable time treating musk thistle, bull thistle, and Canada thistle in the Teton and Gros Ventre Wilderness areas as well as inaccessible areas outside wilderness. Dave located a new infestation of whitetop in the Teton Wilderness. Grant funding from the State of Wyoming allowed us to begin treating cheatgrass on the forest, with priority areas treated in the Gros Ventre and Buffalo Valley. Budgets for the 2013 field season look unusually good, including $10,000 to treat the Horsethief Canyon fire area (including Game Creek, one of our weed “hotspots”) and a Pulling Together Initiative Grant to increase our efforts in the two wilderness areas. The BTNF is again looking forward to working closely again with TCWP and the Hannas to monitor treatment progress and proactively locate and treat new noxious weed infestations on the Forest. The expected acquisition of new data recorders will hopefully make treatment reporting easier for both partners.

Bridger-Teton National Forest

2012 brought many opportunities for staff of the Jackson Hole Land Trust (JHLT) to connect on the ground with landowners of conservation easement protected properties with regard to weeds and weed management. JHLT carried out 130 visits to 210 conservation easement protected parcels, where we were able to walk with the folks who manage and steward nearly 23,000 acres in our work area. JHLT staff act as a resource to our landowners and property manager partners, assisting in weed identification and providing advice for control while working to disseminate timely information on new invaders and introducing new information that we garner from our involvement in the Jackson Hole Weed Management Association. By visiting with the landowner, or their managers, every year and walking each property we are able to assess and discuss the threats that unwanted invaders pose to the ecological wellbeing of Jackson Hole and this portion of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The Jackson Hole Land Trust would once again like to acknowledge the cost share programs involving the Teton County Weed and Pest Department with funding from the Teton Conservation District. These incentive programs, and the expertise and knowledge of the employees who implement them, are very important to landowners with conservation easements. The Jackson Hole Land Trust also continues to make progress on controlling noxious and invasive weeds on the lands that are owned by the organization; ensuring that our fee lands continue as functioning agricultural lands, rich wildlife habitats, and provide the scenic vistas that make Jackson Hole so special.

Jackson Hole Land Trust

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The Teton Basin Ranger District Weed Crew has been working with several different organizations to report and communicate about infestations of invasive plants that threaten the Targhee National Forest and public lands. Our joined efforts have proven to be successful, in treating several acres this year. The true test will be next year when the people get out and on to the ground to monitor the effectiveness of these treatments. This fall a Dalmation Toadflax infestation was discovered in Teton Canyon and several people have become interested in controlling this plant/infestation. Several acres near Alta that have multiple species of invasive plants have been selected to be treated for the year 2013. The great concern about this infestation is that there are not many Dalmation Toadflax infestations on record in Teton Valley. This plant is going to be somewhat difficult to control due to the low density and rugged habitat where it is growing. Steep brushy foothills are going to be hard to navigate and find this plant that has inhabited approximately 100 acres. It is estimated that it will take 4-5 year to control the infestation and several more years of monitoring for reoccurring plants. The Weed Crew got to monitor and control several acres in the Winegar Hole Wilderness and Jedediah Smith Wilderness. Traveling horse back the crew mechanically treated Houndstongue on the Moose Creek Trail and Drainage. The seed/ burs of this plant are being easily transported several miles by livestock, pets, wildlife, and people. Our crew sure has their work cut-out for 2013 and is indicating that it will be one of our highest priority weeds. Another weed Teton Basin is on the watch for is Rush Skeletonweed. This weed can spread seeds up to 20 miles with a strong desert wind, and numerous infestations are being reported in the Great Basin Desert Areas. Hopefully this plant’s geography doesn’t include this region because it is hard to control.

Caribou – Targhee Forest (CTNF)

A special Thank You to the JHWMA contributors:

Old Bill’s Fun Run

USDA, Private Land Forestry

Teton Conservation District

Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resources Trust Fund

Photos courtesy of Amy Collett

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