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U.S. Forest Service


Wayne NF works with Partners to train Vendors on Invasive Species Control

By Cheryl Coon on Jan 1, 2010

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Nick Galentin (USFS) demonstrates hack'n'squirt method

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OSU Extension agent demonstrates use of backpack sprayer

Wayne National Forest employees demonstrated invasive plant control methods and tools. Thirty-seven people attended the first Invasive Species-Vendor School by the Ohio Woodland Stewards Program.

A 4-day Invasive Species-Vendor School was put on by the Ohio Woodland Steward Program at Hocking College in southeast Ohio, November 16-19, 2009. This was the first training of its kind, aiming to educate individuals with natural resource backgrounds on invasive woody plant control techniques. The workshop included classroom and field sessions on identification, ecology and control of woody invasive plants of Ohio (e.g. tree-of-heaven, bush honeysuckle and multi-flora rose). One session focused on preparation for and testing to receive the Ohio Commercial Pesticide Applicator License. On-site testing was provided for the 37 participants.

Funding for this Vendor School was from ARRA funds received by the Ohio Division of Forestry. Dave Apsley, a forester with the Ohio State University Extension office, coordinated the vendor school project.

Wayne National Forest employees: Cheryl Coon, Rachel Orwan and Nick Galentin participated in the training. They demonstrated both mechanical and chemical methods and equipment used to treat non-native invasive species on the Athens Ranger District. Some of the equipment the Forest Service brought to the training included: ATV, backpack and hand-held herbicide sprayers, herbicide injectors, mechanical tools for "popping" out woody plant crowns, personal safety equipment, emergency spill kits, and daily log sheets for record keeping. This was partnered with Hocking College instructor, Dale Hatfield, who demonstrated the safe use of brushsaws and chainsaws. Participants were able to try out equipment and ask questions on appropriate uses of equipment. Lots of discussion occurred about different methods of treatments for different species, comparing pros and cons.

The success of the 4-day school was an increase local timber vendor's knowledge about invasive plant control, and increasing the number of licensed vendors to do invasive plant control in southern Ohio. A win-win situation for all involved!