Wild Carrot (Daucus carota) Management in the Dungeness Valley, Washington, United States: The Power of Citizen Scientists to Leverage Policy Change

Clea Rome,Cathy Lucero

doi:10.5334/cstp.201

Abstract

Commercial vegetable seed production, including carrot seed, is a significant contributor to the agricultural economy of the Dungeness Valley, located in Clallam County, Washington. Wild carrot (Daucus carota) is the forerunner of domestic carrots. Cross-pollination between domestic carrots and their wild progenitors reverses prized characteristics of domestic carrot seed. Because of its ability to ruin carrot seed crop value, wild carrot has been listed under Washington State’s weed laws as a noxious weed. Three different entities, the Clallam County Road Department, Washington State University Extension, and the Clallam County Noxious Weed Control Program collaborated on an action plan to reduce populations of wild carrot in the county, commencing in early spring of 2012. The plan included engaging Washington State University Master Gardener volunteers to collect information on the biology and life cycle of wild carrot, analysis of spatial distribution of wild carrot along roadsides, and investigation of effective control measures for the weed. The information collected by the Master Gardeners in the project became a catalyst for the creation of a more effective weed management policy to address the larger problem of roadside weed management in general. Using highly trained WSU Extension Master Gardeners ensured data and information that concerned stakeholders could trust. The project demonstrates the positive influence that citizen scientists as a whole, and Master Gardeners specifically, can have on shaping local policy.

Highlights

The most effective approach to managing invasive species is a framework that considers the ecological aspects of weed invasions and social and political aspects (Anderson et al 2003; Larson et al 2011)
This case study outlines the role that volunteers from Washington State University Extension played in researching and collecting information on the invasion of wild carrot (Daucus carota) in the Dungeness Valley, Clallam County, Washington, and in the process shaped countylevel sustainable management policies that address the larger problem of roadside weeds in general
We demonstrate the numerous roles that Master Gardeners played in shaping the strategy and development of a new policy approach to weed management at the county level

Summary

Introduction

The most effective approach to managing invasive species is a framework that considers the ecological aspects of weed invasions and social and political aspects (Anderson et al 2003; Larson et al 2011). This case study outlines the role that volunteers from Washington State University Extension played in researching and collecting information on the invasion of wild carrot (Daucus carota) in the Dungeness Valley, Clallam County, Washington, and in the process shaped countylevel sustainable management policies that address the larger problem of roadside weeds in general. We demonstrate the numerous roles that Master Gardeners played in shaping the strategy and development of a new policy approach to weed management at the county level. Policy development to address lack of comprehensive approach to weed management in Clallam County This four-pronged approach represents a new strategy for noxious weed control within Clallam County, with the immediate goal to reduce the threat of Daucus carota to carrot seed production in the Valley, and a larger goal to develop a comprehensive roadside weed control plan that includes better vegetation management practices to establish low-maintenance native habitats along public roadsides. Extension’s uniquely skilled volunteer groups can play in the development of county policies

Background

Methods

Method

Results and Discussion