North Dakota has finalized the schedule for field days at various locations across the state, aiming to collect and distribute flea beetles that effectively combat leafy spurge infestations.
Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring emphasized the significance of using flea beetles as part of an integrated pest management plan to tackle leafy spurge, one of North Dakota's most persistent and challenging noxious weeds.
The field days have been strategically planned to provide interested individuals with the opportunity to collect flea beetles from established populations at designated sites. These beetles can then be released on their own properties to address leafy spurge infestations effectively.
The following field days have been scheduled:
· Billings County - Thursday, June 22, 10 a.m. MDT - Franks Creek Road north of Fryberg
· Grant County - Thursday, June 22, 10 a.m. MDT - Lake Tschida Boy Scout Camp
· Billings County - Tuesday, June 27, 10 a.m.
To reach the collection site in Billings County from Belfield, attendees should travel north on U.S. Highway 85 for 8.5 miles, then turn west onto Franks Creek Road and continue for an additional 14-15 miles. Clearly marked signs will indicate the turn to the collection site, which is most accessible by pickup trucks or vehicles with four-wheel drive.
Field days in other counties are also being planned, although specific details have yet to be finalized.
All attendees are encouraged to participate in the collection process, ensuring a fair distribution of the collected flea beetles.
It is recommended that attendees bring a cooler with ice packs to safely transport the flea beetles. Additionally, if available, participants are requested to bring sweep nets.
For more information and precise directions to the field day sites, interested individuals can contact the respective local weed control officers:
· Katie Dillman at (701) 218-0113 for Billings County
· Merlin Leithold at (701) 220-7908 for Grant County
The field days are co-hosted by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture and the weed boards of the respective counties, highlighting the collaborative efforts to combat noxious weeds effectively and preserve the state's agricultural landscapes.
Photo Credit: GettyImages-Ron_ThomasE+
Categories: North Dakota, General