WATERSHED, SOIL, AND AIR PROJECT PROPOSAL USDA Forest Service, Technology & Development Program
Project Name or Title:	Aquatic Nuisance Species Washing System
Submitted by (your name):	Shane R. Hendrickson
Unit name and address:	Lolo National Forest, Missoula Ranger District
Telephone:	Building 24A, Fort Missoula, Missoula MT 59804
IBM or Internet Address:	shendrickson@fs.fed.us
Date:	February 26, 2008
OVERALL OBJECTIVES/PROBLEM STATEMENT (Describe the problem, how the work is currently being done, and why improvement is needed.)
Aquatic nuisance species (i.e., milfoil, mud snails, whirling disease, etc) are rapidly become a high concern for being transported by waterborne equipment (i.e., fire engines, helicopter buckets, water tenders, etc). In general there is a need to develop a system that is similar to a weed wash station where equipment can be rapidly and effectively treated. Monitoring the effectiveness of the product would also be necessary to determine if the equipment design is working to desired levels.
PROPOSED TECHNOLOGY & DEVELOPMENT WORK (Describe your concept of the end product, i.e., a new equipment design, a video production, a guide, etc.)
The system would have to be mobile and easy to set up and be resistant to higher concentrations of solvents (i.e., chorine).
POTENTIAL BENEFITS (Describe how this project will improve safety, reduce cost, save time, increase efficiency, provide improved resource management, or increase customer satisfaction.) This project would substantially reduce the risk of ANS being introduced into uncontaminated waters. Particularly during wildfire events when equipment is coming from all over the nation potentially carrying their local ANS species.