Look For Spartina Drift Cards - New Project Underway

(Map of 2005 Spartina infestation in San Juan County)

In 2005, Washington State Agriculture (WSDA) crews conducted fairly extensive shoreline surveys of San Juan County. During this survey new infestations were discovered at Spencer Spit and Mud Bay. The Spencer Spit infestation was treated entirely with herbicide in cooperation with State Parks, and the Mud Bay infestation was completely dug out (Previous story) by the San Juan County Noxious Weed Control Board.

Washington state is participating in a "drift card" project with Canada to determine how spartina cordgrass and other destructive, invasive marine plant seeds spread in salt waters of Washington and British Columbia. The bright orange 4-in. by 6-in. wooden plywood cards float on the same tides and currents as a potential spartina or marine plant seed, showing officials where they should look for new infestations.

Through next May, 600 cards will be launched each month from sites in Washington and Canada to determine where tides and currents take them. Launch sites in the U.S. are at South Skagit Bay in Snohomish County; Livingston Bay in Island County; and Turners Cove in Skagit County. Three additional sites are in Canada.

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