Photo credit: Terry Juliano off of Facebook
It was a very windy day on Saturday, March 28th with gusts clocking up to 70 miles per hour. This photo sequence was taken at a location north of Circle and apparently, it got even worse later that day!
Important Reminder: Keep the ground covered!
Photos submitted by Jerry Meissner.
April 1, 2015 in Uncategorized
Tagged Circle, cover crops, local, McCone County, soil, soil health
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 30, 2015
Contact: Jon Ebelt, Public Information Officer, DPHHS, (406) 444-0936 Chuck Council, Communications Specialist, DPHHS, (406) 444-4391
Given the recent investigation into a Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) case in Missoula County, state health officials are reminding Montanans statewide to take precautions this spring and summer to avoid rodent exposures.
“We know the potential exists in Montana for people to become infected with Hantavirus infection,” said Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Director Richard Opper. “However, by taking a few extra precautions, that potential can be greatly reduced. Stop and think this spring before cleaning out that shed, garage, summer cabin or RV.”
While DPHHS and Missoula City-County Health are still investigating the recent Missoula County case, they do expect the individual to make a full recovery, but stress HPS is a serious and sometimes fatal condition.
In a typical year, about 1-2 cases of Hantavirus are reported to the state health department. Studies conducted in Montana show that deer mice populations are most likely to be infected with the virus and can result in human exposures. Montana has reported 39 cases since 1993, when the virus was first recognized, making the state second only to New Mexico in the highest rate of reported cases. Unfortunately, ten of Montana’s cases did not survive the illness.
A person is most likely to become infected with Hantavirus when saliva, urine, or droppings from an infected deer mouse are stirred up and inhaled. This can happen when dust from disturbed rodent excreta or contaminated nesting material become airborne. Transmission may also occur when dried materials contaminated by rodent excreta are directly introduced into broken skin or introduced onto the eye. Although rare, persons have also become infected after being bitten by rodents.
Early symptoms of Hantavirus infection include fever and muscle aches, possibly with chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and a cough. Four to 10 days after the initial phase of illness, the late symptoms appear. These include coughing and shortness of breath as the lungs fill with fluid. Seeking medical care and informing your provider of any exposure to rodents at this phase is important. The symptoms develop one to six weeks after exposure.
The best way to prevent Hantavirus transmission is by controlling rodent populations in areas where one lives and works. When cleaning areas where rodents may nest, the following precautions should be followed:
· wear rubber or plastic gloves
· thoroughly spray/soak area with a disinfectant or mixture of bleach and water
· wipe or mop the infected area with a sponge or paper towel (throw away items after use)
· wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after removing gloves
· never sweep or vacuum in these areas as this can stir up dust and aerosolize the droppings
More information on Hantavirus and its prevention can be found at the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services’ website at: http://www.dphhs.mt.gov/
DPHHS also encourages Montanans to watch an educational NBC Montana TV news story on Hantavirus that is available on the agency YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tp0c0gQw3f4
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The Cover Crop Chart (v. 2.0) is designed to assist producers with decisions on the use of cover crops in crop and forage production systems. The chart, patterned after the periodic table of elements, includes information on 58 crop species that may be planted individually or in cocktail mixtures. Information on growth cycle, relative water use, plant architecture, seeding depth, forage quality, pollination characteristics, and nutrient cycling are included for most crop species.
TO READ MORE AND TO DOWNLOAD THE COVER CROP CHART, go to http://www.ars.usda.gov/Services/docs.htm?docid=20323
Public Welcome!
Richland and Roosevelt County Conservation Districts have the following job opportunity available Job Title: Dredge Operator
Reports to: Richland /Roosevelt Conservation Districts
Wage: Based on Experience
Closes: April 10th or until filled
This is a part time position – April-August. Hours dependent on sites needing dredged
This position requires someone to operate portable dredge jointly owned by the Richland/Roosevelt Conservation Districts, to remove silt from pump sites on the Lower Missouri. The Dredge Operator would also move dredge to sites as needed. The Dredge Operator must have good communication skills to work closely with irrigators. A suitable vehicle would be desired to move dredge and trailer from site to site. Mileage is reimbursed. If you do not own vehicle to move dredge and trailer one may be provided. This position also requires someone to be mechanically inclined, some tools are available to perform daily maintenance on dredge and trailer.
Duties and Responsibilities: Dredge Operator would coordinate scheduling with Richland/Roosevelt Conservation District to renovate pump sites for irrigators. Operator will be responsible to keep work records for each site.
Special Skills Needed: Knowledge of general excavation work and operation of a boat on river systems is a prerequisite. Training will be provided for successful applicant, and may require travel for training. Travel and cost for training will be paid by employer.
Work Environment: This position will entail time spent on the river in an open air vessel, loading and unloading the dredge from trailer at various sites. This may include being muddy, wet and dirty for extended period of time.
Please send a resume or general application pertaining to this type of work only to:
Richland County Conservation District- 2745 W Holly Street, Sidney MT 59270
or
Roosevelt County Conservation District-P.O. Box 517, Culbertson MT 59218
Please direct all questions to Julie Goss, Administrator Richland County Conservation District, 406-433-2103 Ext.101.
Go to “About Us” and “Newsletter 2015”.
Will be mailed out next week, too. Enjoy!
Posted in About Us
Tagged BLM, board of supervisors, Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, CMR, Conservation District, cover crops, crop diversity, DNRC, local, local working group, lwg, McCone Conservation District, McCone County, McCone County Fairgrounds, meeting, newsletter, NRCS, Range, soil health, spring, US Fish and Wildlife Services
McCone Conservation District 