In 2004 and 2005, the refuge utilized volunteers from the Friends of Turnbull NWR (FOTNWR) to undertake a refuge wide, GPS based invasive plant survey modeled after the Montana Noxious Weed Survey and Mapping System. Approximately thirty five percent of the refuge was surveyed resulting in the location of several previously unknown populations of knapweed that received rapid response control actions.(manual removal, chemical application, and biocontrol). A large portion of the refuge, however, has yet to be surveyed and the refuge owns only 1 GPS unit capable of running the TNC WIMS software hindering efforts to adopt this Service approved program and fully implement the refuge s EarlyDetection and Rapid Response Program (EDRRP). Funding from this grant will allow for the purchase of 2 GPS units and software to adopt the WIMS program and expand the early detection surveys in 2006. In addition, funds will be used to acquire biocontrol agents and chemicals to facilitate the rapid response phase of the project. An AmeriCorps member supported through FOTNWR will start in September 2005 and continue the program in 2006. Twenty potential volunteers have already been contacted and WIMS training will be provided for selected volunteers and staff.
