Washington County 2021
Introduction
Weed supervisors and workers representing 18 Utah counties gathered in St. George for the 2021 Annual Utah Weed Supervisor Training June 2-3. The training began with classroom instruction provided by subject-matter experts from throughout the state and was attended by 46 people.
Classroom Instruction
The group heard from Chris Haller with DNR Motorized Trails program, who spoke about ATV safety. Earl Creech, the USU Extension Agronomist, spoke about the identification and treatment of Palmer amaranth, an Early Detection Rapid Response species. Corteva Agriscience chemical representative, Trent Brusseau, discussed herbicide choices and talked specifically about Duracor and Terravue.
Because the Utah Weed Supervisors Association receives federal funds, it must comply with federal civil rights laws. Dave Bingham led a discussion regarding the civil rights obligations of the counties receiving subgrants from the UWSA. The UWSA has a new website, which is populated with reports from the members regarding their projects. Kevin Bailey explained the requirements for photos and narratives to be posted to the web site.
Brittany Duncan, with Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, talked to the group about the differences between Malta Star thistle and yellow star thistle and the Arundo vs. bamboo. Jerry Caldwell talked to the group about pictures and what is needed to take good pictures. Amber Mendenhall gave a state address concerning the biological program in the state of Utah. Natalie Fronk from USU extension gave a presentation about the life cycle management of invasive mustards. Aaron Eager, the State Weed Specialist gave the State of the State address.
Tour
The second day of training began with Corey Ransom describing annual grasses and explaining Esplanade treatments. The group then toured areas of Washington County to see various noxious weeds in their natural environment. They saw Sahara Mustard at their first stop, then traveled on to an infestation of Malta Star thistle, the only place it is growing in the state of Utah. They then stopped to see the devastation that the native invasive species, silverleaf night shade, can cause on a farm and then went to look at Arundo donax by the Virgin River. The group also saw Johnson grass growing in a disturbed site just feet away. The last stop was lunch, where Rob Hougaard spoke. He is the Director of Plant Industry at the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food.
UWSA member gets photo of Malta star thistle. 
Group finds Johnson grass at Virgin River stop. 
Jerry captures shot of night shade. 
Tour group learns about the effects of silverleaf night shade. 
UWSA investigates height of Arundo donax. 
Tour introduces UWSA to Malta star thistle.
