Photo by Janice Chumley, Kenai Soil & Water
Alaska’s Certified Weed-Free Gravel Program is a voluntary inspection program administered by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources/Plant Materials Center and carried out on the Kenai Peninsula by the Kenai Soil & Water Conservation District. The purpose of the program is to increase the availability of weed-free products to land managers working in sensitive areas to prevent the spread of invasive weeds and protect fish and wildlife habitat.
Did you miss our Mar. 23, 2021 webinar, Alaska’s Weed Free Gravel Program — What contractors need to know? It includes information on how the program began in 2013, invasive plant controls for the Sterling Hwy MP 45-60 (aka, Cooper Landing bypass) project, gravel inspection standards, practical tips for pit managers and the certification process. You’ll find the video here: https://youtu.be/n9l9l02ppUU
Getting certified is probably easier than you think. The first thing to know is that not all weeds are on the invasive list. The second is that even when invasive weeds are found, it is possible to treat them to meet certification requirements. Keep in mind that gravel has to be inspected before being moved. Certificates are good for 1 – 6 months depending on time of year and site conditions.
Certification is affordable. The annual fee of $500 includes three to four inspections and expert guidance on weed prevention and effective control measures at one site up to 5 acres.
Be ready to bid on projects requiring certified weed-free gravel by requesting inspection early. Inspections are scheduled on a first-come-first-served basis. Please note that sites can only be inspected after all snow cover has melted.
If you have questions or to request an inspection, please email or call Teri Diamond, Kenai Soil & Water Conservation District: Phone: (907) 283-8732 x 5 email: kenaiswcd@gmail.com
