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1st Quarter, 2003 - Page 1
WeedSeeker automatic spot spray system
mounted on an amphibious tractor.
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WeedSeeker®
Automatic Spot Automatic Spot Spray System Wipes Out Spartina
Grass
A WeedSeeker® automatic spot spray system is making it environmentally and economically possible for the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to eradicate spartina grass in Willapa Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Washington. They have mounted a WeedSeeker® system on a tank-like amphibious tractor which will be used to fi ght non-native spartina grass that threatens habitat for birds, salmon and commercial oyster beds in Willapa Bay.
Charlie Stenvall, U. S. Fish and Wildlife program leader, called the machine the "last greatest hope" in their fi ght against the invasive weed that has consumed at least 15,000 acres of the bay. Spartina is a non-native plant that has infested about a third of Willapa Bay. The weed carpets once-open mud fl ats and captures silt, which raises and hardens the bay fl oor. This destroys forage areas for shorebirds. It also ruins habitat and food sources for young salmon and other native species.
Using advanced optoelectonics technology, the WeedSeeker® system automatically sprays herbicides on weeds not bare ground. The environmentally sensitive spray system dramatically reduces herbicide use and lowers chemical costs. "Hopefully, this will be the biggest bang for the buck...without dumping tons and tons of chemicals into the environment," said refuge
equipment operator, Jonathan Bates.
TECH TIP!
WeedSeeker systems are very durable and trouble free. As with any piece of equipment, if the system is properly maintained and properly stored its operating lifetime use will increase.
An every day precaution, do not store the sensors out in the weather with the lenses and cables connections pointed to the sky. The sun fades any product left in direct sunlight and this includes LED's and optical detector lenses. Any water that pools and sits on the lenses during the rain also has the potential to damage the units. With a little extra precaution your WeedSeeker system will operate effectively for many years.
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