Posse forming: target is moving a mile a minute

A posse is being assembled to ride out and shoot down Public Enemy Number One in Potter and Cameron counties. The target: "mile-a-minute" weed.

This noxious plant is spreading as fast as its name implies, choking out native plant species and changing the face of a broad area stretching from southern Potter County far into Cameron County.

The weed has the potential to cause drastic changes in the ecosystem of some prime recreation areas. The First Fork of Sinnemahoning Creek is already heavily infested. It's on a course to continue down the Driftwood Branch toward the West Branch of the Susquehanna River.

Volunteers who are willing to join the fight should call Todd DeLuccia, watershed specialist with the Cameron County Conservation District, for details at 486-9354.

"We are hoping that quick action by volunteers will contain this infestation," DeLuccia said. "Since this is an annual plant and only reproduces by seed, the ability to prevent future spread is promising."

Bucktail Watershed Association and the Pa. Dept. of Agriculture are organizing a volunteer search for mile-a-minute infestation along Rt. 872 in Potter and Cameron counties, between Wharton and a point one mile north of Bailey Run.

Next Wednesday through Friday, the Agriculture Department will position its weed spray truck in Wharton to assist property owners with control measures. Herbicide "Garlon 3A" will be used to kill mile-a-minute. That's the brand name for triclopyr.

State officials chose Garlon 3A based on its selectivity -- it does not affect grasses and other favored species -- and its shortlived residual effect in the environment.

Meanwhile, Bucktail Watershed Association is asking volunteers who locate and gather mile-aminute to bring the weed to Sinnemahoning State Park on Saturday, June 23, where they can drop off their quarry and enjoy a complimentary barbecued chicken dinner, with serving to start at noon.

DeLuccia warns posse members to protect their skin against briars and be on the lookout for ticks.

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

Botanist and weed scientist Melissa Bravo is the Agriculture Department representative directing the battle. She can be reached in Harrisburg at 717-787- 7204.