NOXIOUS WEED ATTACK NEXT WEEKEND

Bushwhackers will fan out over a broad expanse of southern Potter County and northern Cameron County next Saturday to slice and dice a nasty villain. In their crosshairs: mile-a-minute weed.

The June 28 battle plan focuses on the valley of Sinnemahoning Creek's First Fork, particularly Sinnemahoning State Park and private land to the north.

Anyone who would like to join the posse is welcome. Bucktail Watershed Association, the Pa. Dept. of Agriculture and Sinnemahoning State Park are joining forces for the attack.

Mile-a-minute vine is a noxious annual weed that grows rapidly, climbing over and blanketing bushes and small trees. It reproduces through the heavy production of seeds that are spread primarily by birds and high water.

Park staff will lead a weedpulling effort within the park. Anyone who is willing to help should meet at the Forty Maples Day-Use Area at 9 am.

A second battalion will welcome volunteers at 8 am outside the Wharton Township Building. That team will work south of Wharton in the vicinity of Creek View Road and the Rt. 872 bridge over First Fork.

After the battle, the organizers will host a chicken barbecue for participants at Sinnemahoning State Park, with serving starting at noon.

For more information, con- tact Jim Zoschg at 570-417-2661 or Sinnemahoning State Park at 647-8401.

Zoschg was hired by the Agriculture Department to direct this year's attack.

Mile-a-Minute has a reddish stem, armed with downward pointing sharp hooks or barbs, also found on the underside of its light green triangular leaves.

Zoschg encourages property owners to hand-pull any vines they discover to help limit the spread of the weed.