Project Abstract

Project Location

This project is located in the Corn Cob Creek-John Day River Watershed in Wheeler County, about 15 miles north of the town of Spray. Corn Cob Creek runs below the property line of this project.

Project Need

Fire suppression has increased the encroachment of western juniper, causing a strain on the watershed, perennial grasses, and wildlife. Phase I and II juniper currently occupy about half of the project area, where the hillsides drain into Corn Cob Creek. Overtime, juniper and annual grasses has degraded the watershed function and continues to impact foraging wildlife. A large aspen stand is located at the property line that would benefit and further thrive from juniper removal and the treatment of annual grasses. Quaking aspens grow best in moist environments and store vital nutrients within the soil, but benefits are limited and reduced by the amount of juniper encroaching the stand. Additionally, a large patch of milkweed located within the project area would also further benefit and thrive from juniper removal, thus allowing a food source for monarch butterfly caterpillars.

Proposed Project Work

 This project proposes to treat 20 acres of invasive western juniper in priority areas. The juniper is easily accessible and will be cut both by hand and mechanically and piled. Juniper slash piles will be burned after laying long enough for a clean burn. Rejuvra (Indaziflam) will be applied to 45 acres to treat invasive grasses and weeds at a rate of 5oz per acre within the mechanical juniper cut and surrounding area. Rejuvra is a pre-emergent herbicide with residual activity for three to four years that allows deep rooted perennials to re-stablish and prevent germination of invasive annual grasses. Plateau (Imazapic) will be tank mixed with Rejuvra at a rate of 6oz per acre to provide the treatment needed for perennial broadleaf noxious weeds.

Project Partners

Project partners include: OWEB, the landowner, and Wheeler SWCD.