Invasive weeds on First Fork

This weed is becoming more than a nuisance as it works its way through Potter and Cameron counties. The rapidly growing "mile-a-minute weed" is crowding out more valuable vegetation and upsetting the ecosystem. Officials are planning an attack on the species on state-owned land.

Potter and Cameron counties are being attacked by an invader with a most descriptive name: "mile-a-minute weed."

A response plan is being formulated and volunteers may soon be needed.

The rapidly growing invasive weed has the potential to choke off beneficial and preferred vegetation, causing drastic changes in the ecosystem of some prime recreation areas. The First Fork of Sinnemahoning Creek is already heavily infested.

Mile-a-minute weed can be found in a line that generally follows the creek from the Wharton area in southern Potter County into Cameron County, well below Sinnemahoning State Park. It's on a course to continue down the Driftwood Branch toward the West Branch of the Susquehanna River.

Recreation may not be its only victim. The weed, also referred to as "devil's tearthumb," is also a threat to agriculture.

Other invasive species are also bearing down on the region. Purple loosestrife and Japanese knotweed also have the potential of forcing out native vegetation, replacing it with species that have no value to the ecosystem.

Migrating birds could be to blame for spreading the seeds of the obnoxious weeds through their droppings. Once the weed gains a foothold, it literally fights for its survival.

Lisa Bainey, manager of Sinnemahoning State Park, and experts from the Pa. Dept. of Agriculture are working on the attack plan, which may require help from area sportsmen's groups and conservation organizations.

The plan calls for the use of a combination of pesticides and sharp blades. The plants' stems should be chopped in April, followed by a return visit to each site later in the spring to go after new growth with a combination of chemicals and cutting.

Additional information on the local battle plan can be obtained from Lisa Bainey at 647-8401, or from Melissa Bravo with the Agriculture Department at 717-787-7204.