COM 1013.004 2004-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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4.~ l~ ~1 O" c:: COMMUNITY LOAN SPRAYER, OPERATIONAL AND TECHNIGA L ASSISTANCE SUPPORT PROGRAM "I rll:~ USDA/APHIS WILDLIFE SERVICES COQUI FROG CONTRO Let me begin by thanking the Finance Committee for extending an invitation to partfc pate in this ram County Council meeting. I appreciate the opportunity to describe the services our p-4 provides to the Big Island communities. I am here representing Wildlife Services, a program within the United States Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Wildlife Services recognizes that wildlife is a valuable, publicly owned resource that is managed for abundance and diversity. However, we also recognize that by its very nature, wildlife, in particular invasive wildlife species, are a highly dynamic and mobile resource that can damage agricultural and industrial resources, threaten human health and safety, and negatively affect other natural resources, including less abundant, threatened, or endangered species. Under our federal authority, Wildlife Services may establish financial cost-share agreements with States, counties, airports, or other entities that allow for the hiring of trained professionals that in turn implement techniques to manage damage or other problems caused by wild animals. These professionals make use of a wide range of legal techniques and provide solutions that are scientifically sound, effective, and accountable. Here on Hawaii Island, WS is currently providing technical and operational assistance to communities involved in Coqui Frog control efforts. WS' assistance is provided in conjunction with the Loan Sprayer Program and is funded by two grants provided by the County of Hawaii. These grants were used to hire four full time employees and to purchase ten 100 gallon sprayers and ten 400 gallon sprayers equipped with trailers. The Hawaii Island Economic Development Board also purchased eight sprayers ranging from 100 to 200 gallons in size, which were added to the loan sprayer program conducted by WS. Of the 28 sprayers, 10 sprayers are placed in permanent communities around the island and are used weekly by their community members. The remaining 18 sprayers are available for short term loans of one week. In addition, WS assists the public through weekly spray operations that target incipient Coqui populations around the island. Ensuring accountability is a key component of the Coqui Frog control efforts. Accountability of sprayer use is accomplished through collection of feedback reports which monitor the amount and type of chemical used, approximate size of infestation before and after treatment, total area treated and applicator. Sprayer activity reports are generated weekly and show current sprayer use, name of applicator and location sprayed. These reports are sent weekly to all concerned agencies around the island. Monthly reports are given to the County of Hawaii which illustrate sprayer use, personnel hours, meetings and demonstrations attended by USDA personnel, equipment repairs, and technical assistance that was provided to the public. Additionally, WS utilizes the expertise of its National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC), the only Federal research facility devoted to resolving problems caused by the interaction of wildlife Comm. "10. tot - Ref. ft"28 Ref. Date A 2 2_ 20_x...