Knotweed is a highly destructive and exceedingly robust non-native invasive perennial that is spreading aggressively throughout the South Prairie Creek basin. The plant has no natural enemies and currently thrives along the riverbanks and adjacent roadsides of the basin. In addition to its rapid growth and ability to take advantage of floods to spread even further, knotweed has an extensive underground root network that makes it exceedingly difficult to kill. A partnership of the Pierce Conservation District (District), Pierce County Noxious Weed Control Board, and Pierce County Surface Water Management formed to collaborate across jurisdictions to remove knotweed. A large outreach campaign to landowners and community members educated landowners about the dangers knotweed presents to the South Prairie Creek Basin. This partnership requested $161,500 in funding for the past three years. Immediate priorities included completing survey work in the basin and eradicating knotweed found there. A second phase to the project was expected upon completion of this initial phase. But this funding has not come to fruition at this point. Fortunately the District, through efficiencies, was able to complete initial surveys where landowner permission was granted and treatment has occurred in significant portions of the watershed. In fact, all lands have been treated at least once where permission from landowners had been secured. More detailed knotweed surveys continue as well as landowner outreach and work to prioritize future planting areas is underway. The District continues work with partners and landowners to secure permission to remaining lands where permission has not yet been granted. The following work was completed through this grant: · Complete surveys in South Prairie Creek and tributaries. This work has been completed where landowner permission has been granted. Highly detailed surveys of knotweed presence and treated areas continue. · Begin eradication of Japanese Knotweed found in the basin, beginning at the furthest upstream occurrence Through efficiencies, the District has been able to complete initial treatments on all lands in the basin where landowner permission has been secured (approximately 240 acres were treated along 27.4 miles of streambank). · Reestablish native riparian vegetation where necessary. It is recommended that no planting occur for at least 2 to 4 years after initial knotweed treatments depending on the site. This allows for follow up treatments and for a greater probability of planting success. However, planting has occurred on 0.4 acres of District owned properties where treatments have occurred for 3+ years. · Educate residents in target communities about knotweed and other invasives. The District worked with local communities to raise awareness and obtain permission from landowners to allow access to knotweed infestations on private properties. Contacts included face-to-face meetings; outreach mailings including outreach letters; educational brochures, GIS maps of project areas, and permission forms to conduct knotweed control activities; emails, and phone calls. · Collaboration, Community meetings and events o Conducted 4 Knotweed bending parties in 2011-2012 utilizing volunteers from the local community, Pierce Conservation District Stream Team volunteers and a local Eagle Scout Troop o Created a Knotweed Educational Webpage for the District’s website o Continued to build on project partnerships with Pierce County Surface Water Management (PCSWM) & Puyallup Tribal Fisheries o Presented project accomplishments and knotweed control strategies to: Private landowners, Pierce County Public Works staff, Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) crews, Pierce County Noxious Weed Control Agency, and multiple conferences/meetings