Project Information and Goals
The main focus of the LCHS Biocontrol Program is to find environmently safe and efficient means of controlling the noxious weed population in Lincoln County, Montana. We focus on the capture and release of insects such as Cyphocleonus achates, weevils which bore into the roots of spotted knapweed, as well as Larinus minutus and obstusus, which eat its seed heads. We also educate the public on how to control this outbreak of noxious weeds in the area. One main point that we emphasize is how an integrated form of management is much more effective than just focusing on one specific method of weed control.
We have many goals for this program, one is to continue indefinitely. We will do more to educate students on the importance of weed control. The continued release of biological control agents and the monitoring of these sites is also a major goal. We will do more community weed pulls to help educate the public and to improve the community of Eureka and its surrounding areas. We will also find better ways to manage the Leafy Spurge in the area. Another major goal is to continue our management of the insectary at Lincoln County High School, and to make it more efficient. With these goals in mind, we will continue our program until knapweed in Lincoln County is under control. Website created by student employees James Mepham, Bryce Bartmess, and Rob McClure Summer 2010
|
Larinus minutus (seed head feeding weevil)