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Taking the Sting out of Stickers - 2/25/13

Monday, February 25, 2012, 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Tomales Town Hall

Purplestar closeup


Taking the Sting our Stickers was a round table discussion on solutions for treating Woolly Distaff Thistle, Purple Star Thistle and other invasive plants in pasture and rangeland settings.  Approximately 50 ranchers and dairy producers filled the Tomales Town Hall on February 25th to participate in a discussion on the management of thistles and other invasive plants that impact Marin’s pastures.  The morning was a give and take, with University of California Specialists and local vegetation management practitioners sharing information about the growth patterns and management of thistles and local ranchers relating their experiences and efforts to keep pastures in grass.

Presenters:

  • Laurel Thomassin, Agriculture, Weights & Measures - “Requirements for using of herbicides.”  View the Ag Department's online resources on weeds and pesticide enforcement.
  • Guy Kyser, UC Davis - “Differences and similarities in managing Purple Star, Wooly Distaff, and Artichoke Thistle.”  View Guy's presentation and accompanying handout.
  • Mark Heath, Shelterbelt Builders Inc. - “The importance of growth stage in selecting treatment options for woolly distaff and purple star thistle.”
  • Michael Parks, Gator Vegetation Management, “Tools for protecting your pastures.”
  • Krista Lindley, Gold Ridge RCD, and Patricia Hickey, MALT, “We’re Here to Help: A New Early Detection/Rapid Response Technical Assistance Program for Ag Producers.”  Program development partially underwritten by PG&E.

Distaff closeup
Additional Resources:

 

Co-hosted by County of Marin, Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District, Marin Agricultural Land Trust, Marin Department of Agriculture, Marin Resource Conservation District, Marin Sonoma Weed Management Area Agricultural Lands Working Group, and UC Cooperative Extension.