LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Lancaster County weed control officials are ramping up efforts to fight Nebraska’s most noxious weed.
The Lincoln Journal Star reports that the fast-moving phragmites have reached nearly 700 sites in Lancaster County, compared to 72 sites a decade ago. The weeds are capable of choking wetlands, swallowing habitat, killing native vegetation and changing the course of rivers.
Weed control agencies have spent more than $5 million since 2007 spraying herbicide along the Platte River from Lake McConaughy to Columbus.
Lancaster County Weed Control Superintendent Brent Meyer says a hired helicopter will soon spray the worst infestations around Lincoln.
A group of federal, state and local agencies, including Lancaster County, is also buying a tank-like amphibious vehicle that can spray weeds on land and in water along the Lower Platte River.
Credit: ktiv.com
