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Each spring, depending on river flows and weather, WWA members provide
transportation up the
Salmon River and manpower to help control
noxious weeds within the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness in
cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service, the Idaho Department of
Agriculture, and private property owners. The WWA provides logistical
support, technical assistance, and manual labor in an active assault on
noxious weeds along the Salmon River corridor.
This year, we will need approximately 10 boats and 30 volunteers to help
spray weeds. Since the
boats are loaded pretty heavy, and we expect high river flows, we ask
that the less experienced Salmon River pilots leave their boats home and ride up
with the more experienced pilots. We will also have several Government
Agency Representatives along this year to give us a hand. Come enjoy a
good workout and lots of fun with friends in the beautiful
Salmon River
canyon.
The WWA will be providing noxious weed control at Mackay Bar and the
James Ranch. This project requires a significant amount of physical
labor, as the weed control methods primarily entail hand application of
chemical sprays and some hand pulling with much of the work taking place
on steep terrain. Safety equipment will be provided to those that will
be handling chemicals. The
club currently owns about 20 back pack sprayers that will be our primary
application method. Again
this year, spray materials, boat fuel and food expenses are being
covered by a government grant.
We will be departing Spring Bar, 13 miles up river from Riggins, on May
2 beginning at 8:30am. Most
people will spend the night of the 1st at the Spring Bar campground to
make loading go smoothly and to keep unforeseen issues at a minimum.
A light breakfast, (muffins, and pastries) with coffee will be
provided the morning of the 2nd at the campground starting at 7:30 am.
Due to weight limitations for the boats and the number of people, we
encourage everyone to pack light.
Pay special attention to the Salmon River Road
construction schedule to prevent any surprises.
We will arrive at the James Ranch by approximately 11:30.
After unloading boats and a quick lunch, we will spend several
hours spraying one of the target areas.
We will then have a relaxing dinner at the James Ranch followed
by camaraderie around the camp fire and possibly a round of horseshoes.
We will rise early on Saturday for a yummy breakfast and then off
to several more hours of spraying - lunch - spray - dinner.
We should also have time to make a quick run up to Buckskins
Bills. Sunday morning we
can sleep in a little - break camp and head back down river to Spring
Bar.
Required supplies for volunteers:
1. For spraying you will need work gloves, long sleeved shirts, long
pants, high top boots,(old ones are best because they will probably have
blue dye on them by the time you are done).
2. You will need a tent, sleeping bag, blanket (optional) tarp for tent
(also optional)
3. Clothing for three days (Pack for
Idaho
weather conditions – it could be warm and sunny or cold and wet)
4. Drinks that you may want, (WWA will bring pop, water, coffee and
cocoa) anything you may want to put in those you need to bring
5. Your own life jacket would be great, most of us have extras on the
boat but your own would be best.
6. Cameras, are a must!
7. Flash light
8. Camp chairs
9. Finally, you may bring a dessert to help with the food. (Brownies,
cake, pie, etc.) Again meals will be provided by WWA.
Please give Don Moore (208-377-0272) a call if you have any
questions or would be interested in attending this fun event.
WeedRun@WesternWhiteWater.org
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