Bell steps into coordinator role

After seven consecutive seasons as field inspector, Eric Bell is the new coordinator for the Adams County Noxious Weed Control Board.

Bell attended a junior college to obtain an associate of arts degree. Upon returning to Ritzville to visit some friends, an opportunity was presented to him by a local tavern owner.

Originally with no real plans to remain in Ritzville, Bell was hired and managed The Pastime Tavern for the following six months.

An open listing for the Adams County Noxious Weed Control Board was presented to Bell by a close friend in March of 2008. He applied, interviewed and accepted the position of seasonal inspector, which varies between six and seven months out of the year.

With his love for the outdoors and wildlife, Bell thoroughly enjoyed the position, which required him to actively search the entire west side of Adams County for invasive noxious weeds.

Noxious weeds, which are explained as invasive non-native plants, cause damage to waterways, croplands, highways and intersections. They can and will quickly take root and take over the land they possess with absolutely no nutritional value for humans or animals.

It is important, as Bell explains, to keep the invasive plants under control, which is an ongoing issue since the plants build up a tolerance to the herbicides used to to minimize their impact.

The vast majority of the invansive species in the area are from the Mediterranean, with the area’s ancestors bringing part of their homeland to the United States without realizing the impact it would have on the native landscape.

Once the invasive, non-native plants throughout the county are located, Bell explained they are then identified and the owner of the land is sent an informative form from the noxious weed board on the species, location and choices they, the landowner, have to control the plants.

Bell stated the landowners must then choose to spray, mow or cultivate the invasive plants in a required timeframe.

Landowners are encouraged to contact the noxious weed board with any questions, further information or requests for an extended frame of time.

If, however, the landowner chooses not to take action, the weed board will then send a notice that requires the responsible party to control the invasive species within the time frame. If not attended to, enforcement actions will be taken by the weed board, resulting in accountability for the responsible party.

Bell explains that the invasive non-native weeds are something everyone is responsible for from the landowner, county, state, Fish and Wildlife and up to the Bureau of Land Management.

After previous noxious weed coordinator, Sue Sackmann, retired in December 2014, the listing was open to the public and Bell applied, interviewed and accepted the position as the Adams County Noxious Weed Control Board Coordinator.

Bell received knowledgeable on the job training from Sackmann and took over role of coordinator April 1.

Bell is excited about the position he holds as noxious weed coordinator.

Though he loves to be out in the field, he is looking forward to having a more hands on approach in the office and creating better communication and knowledge of noxious weeds and what needs to be done with them.

He stated the boards previous communication was close to nothing with the community and commissioners and he is looking forward to having an open door and open communication policy at the Adams County Noxious Weed Board to help with the control of the invasive species inhabiting the county.

The continuous noxious weed issues involve everyone living in Adams County and Bell feels strongly with knowledge comes power.

Communication is key and the county as a whole can work together in keeping our crops healthy and land beautiful and livable, Bell explained.

For anyone with questions, concerns or comments about invasive non-native plants in Adams County, Bell encourages them to contact him through the office at 509-659-1806.