Title
Agriculture Department recommending the Board authorize the Agricultural Commissioner and the Chair to sign Memorandum of Understanding 081-M1710 with Lake Tahoe Basin Weed Coordinating Group to support the activities focusing on exclusion, detection, eradication and suppression of invasive weeds in the Lake Tahoe Basin, for the term of July 19, 2016 to July 19, 2021.
FUNDING: N/A
Body
DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION
The purpose of this MOU is to continue being a partner with the Lake Tahoe Basin Weed Coordinating Group (LTBWCG) and define the terms and conditions under which the LTBWCG cooperates and coordinates activities necessary to prevent the introduction, establishment, and spread of harmful non-native weeds in the Lake Tahoe basin. These activities shall focus upon the exclusion, detection, eradication, and suppression of priority exotic weeds using an integrated approach. The signatory agencies and organizations will cooperate in developing coordinated work plans and seeking funds to support the activities of the LTBWCG. In addition, public education on weed identification, prevention, and control will be a primary component of the LTBWCG.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
In 2002, the LTBWCG was established to provide a coordinated effort to control and eradicate invasive weed populations in the Lake Tahoe basin. Active partners include; University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, Placer County Department of Agriculture, Nevada Department of Agriculture, California State Parks, Nevada State Parks, University of California Cooperative Extension, City of South Lake Tahoe, Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board, California Tahoe Conservancy, U.S. Forest Service-Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, Douglas County Weed District, Tahoe Resource Conservation District, Nevada Tahoe Conservation District, Natural Resources Conservation Service-Tahoe, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, and Sierra Pacific Power. Invasive weed infestations reduce the biological, recreational and economic value of agricultural, private and public lands and have a negative impact upon the environment by suppressing native plant species and reducing wildlife habitat and biological diversity. A coordinated approach, by multiple agencies to identify sites, develop responses and educate the public will result in a more effective effort to reduce or eliminate invasive weed infestations.
ALTERNATIVES
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel and Risk Management have approved the MOU
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Chief Administrative Office concurs with staff's recommendations.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
No impact to net county cost. This is a non-financial MOU.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) Clerk to obtain the Board Chair's signature on one (1) original of the MOU, and
2) Clerk to forward the executed resolution to the Agriculture Department for transmittal with an additional copy signed by the Agricultural commissioner.
CONTACT
Myrna Tow X6647