All posts by GVMEcology Admin

Helpful Herbicide Pracautions from Tim D’Amato

Noxious Weeds

8/12/09 Tim D’Amato’s email response to Wynne who asked him about precautions when using herbicides: “Hi Wynne, The label for each product has recommended PPE’s (Personal Protective Equipment). I personally would go with long pants, long sleeved shirt, sunglasses or some protective eye wear, latex or rubber gloves, and boots. The greatest risk to exposure is when mixing – concentrated material, chance of splash, etc. Rinse water for eyes, face and hands should be readily available when mixing. A mask should be available for those that feel it is important.

Maybe Steve could supply paper masks and latex gloves when giving out herbicide?

– Tim D’Amato

Clearing GVM Hiking Trails

Hiking Trails

7/27/09 Today at 5:00pm, weather permitting, several members of the Ecology Committee will meet at Linda B‘s house to clear trails using hand and power weed whackers. Linda explained the situation: “mostly…. the trails on the north side of Crellin are overgrown and harder to find. The main problem is “cheat grass” — lots of it, all gone to viable seed but easy to slash away from the sides of the trails!”

Watch “Water Bottle Disaster” Presentation

Green Living

7/25/09 Peggy G emailed: “Remember my plastic bag email [?].   Well here is one for plastic bottles. I don’t buy bottled water anymore but not sure what to do about the Gatorade and ice tea and other bottled beverages I consume.  Tough choices.  At least there is recycling available now.”  

I found a link to the presentation she sent on this website: http://gei.newscorp.com/daily-degree/2009/05/water-disaster.html.

Eco SWAT Team Hits Gate 1

Noxious Weeds, Work Days

7/18/09 8 am: This morning 7 members of the Ecology Committee (Ellen, Harry, Jim, Jonathan, Judy, Peggy, and Wynne) tackled noxious weeds, mostly Diffuse Knapweed (DK), surrounding Gate 1. An estimated 700 pre-seed stage plants were removed in just over an hour, see 7/18/09 Work Log Report. During that time 30-40 vehicles drove by and Peggy suggested that we take advantage of the visibility by making an educational sign so passersby would know who we are and what we are doing…not wanting to be mistaken for those serving their Community Service sentences! Harry said that he and Judy have removed DK from under the fenceline along Red Feather Lakes Road in years past and they found many plants there again. The group was in favor of Jim’s idea to spruce up the rock island at the entrance by planting rugged, yet attractive, native plants. Jim reported that there are many DK plants at Gate 8, so hopefully this will be our next target.