Greetings to the People of the Rainbow,

I am writing on behalf of the Forest habitats of Northeastern Washington and North Idaho.  I don't know if you are aware of
the environmental problem caused by alien invasive species.  They tend to run roughshod over native plant communities and
animal habitats.  They can degrade ecosystem structure, function and diversity.

Our corner of the world is home to four endangered species and three endemic disjunct plant communities.  We value this
uniqueness and hope you do to.  In that light, we have been working hard to protect our unique assets from the damage alien
invasive species can wield.  Over the last three years, we have sprayed many of the most vulnerable areas, especially the
meadows, with the pesticide, picloram (Tordon®).  The native grasses and forbs are starting to return in healthy populations,
helping to diminish erosion and other negative effects caused by the invasive plant species, spotted knapweed (Centaurea
biebersteinii).

In order to protect our investment to date and in trying to decrease pesticide use in the forest, there are a number of
mitigation measures the people attending your gathering can take to minimize introduction of alien invasive species.  In the
interest of the environment, please publish this information broadly amongst fellow gatherers.

Mitigation measures you can take to minimize spreading alien invasive species:

          1).  Make sure clothing and equipment are free of any insects or insect nests; and plant fragments or seeds prior to
     departure from home.
          2).  Once you have arrived in the area, stop before leaving the pavement and check the undercarriage, tires,
     radiator of your vehicle and the various cracks and crevices where the parts or chrome meet for plant fragments or
     seeds.  Pull any found free from the vehicle and dispose of them in a sealed container.  This step should be taken in
     reverse upon leaving to prevent taking unwanted plants home.
          3).  Try to keep disturbing the ground to a minimum.
          4).  Do not transport wildflowers from elsewhere into the gathering site, nor take any with you when you leave.
          5).  Do not transport dirt, fill or organic material into or out of the gathering site.

I thank you for your assistance in keeping the ecosystem where i live, work and play free from the detrimental effects of alien
invasive species.

Sincerely,
 

Sharon L Sorby
Coordinator
POC Weed Board
PO Box 5085
418 South Scott Ave
Newport WA  99156-5085
Phone   509.447.2401
Fax     509.447.2402
ssorby@coopext.cahe.wsu.edu