Title
Agriculture Department recommending the Board authorize the Agricultural Commissioner and the Chair to sign Memorandum of Understanding with El Dorado County Invasive Weed Management Group to support the activities focusing on exclusion, detection, eradication and suppression of invasive weeds, for the term of March 29, 2011 to March 28, 2016.
Body
Fiscal Impact/Change to net County Cost:
No impact to net county cost.
Background:
In 1999, the El Dorado County Weed Management Group was established to provide a coordinated effort to control and eradicate invasive weed populations on the West Slope of El Dorado County. 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.
Reason for recommendation:
The purpose of this MOU is to continue the EDCIWMG and define the terms and conditions under which the EDCIWMG cooperates and coordinates activities necessary to prevent the introduction, establishment, and spread of harmful non-native weeds in El Dorado County. These activities shall focus upon the exclusion, detection, eradication, and suppression of priority invasive weeds by using an integrated pest management approach. This MOU extends the current MOU and would be in effect for five (5) years from the date of execution. The signatories and organizations will cooperate in developing coordinated work plans and seek various funding sources to support the activities of the EDCWMG. In addition, public education on weed identification, prevention, and control will be a primary component of the EDCIWMG.
Action to be taken following Board approval:
1) Authorize the Chair to sign the EDCIWMG MOU, on behalf of the Board of Supervisors for a 5-year term commencing upon execution; and return to the Agriculture Department
2) Authorize the Agricultural Commissioner to sign the EDCIWMG MOU, on behalf of the El Dorado County Department of Agriculture.
Contact:
Myrna Tow (530) 621-6647
Concurrences:
County Counsel and Risk Management have approved the MOU