Author: OSFWC Webmaster

Poison Hemlock is difficult to identify. It is in the carrot family and looks very similar to Wild Carrot, Queen Ann Lace, Wild Celery and others. If, after reading this, you still think you have Poison Hemlock on your property, contact the Grays Harbor Noxious Weed Control Board at: (360) 482 2934.

The following is an informative email exchange about Poison Hemlock between a resident on the waterways and Bruce Malloy, the president of the Ocean Shores Fresh Waterways Corporation. There is a link to a very informative YouTube video about poison Hemlock near the bottom of this email exchange. The resident’s identifying information has been removed from the exchange.

The immediate reason for this message is that I just returned from being away the past 3 weeks and noticed a growth around my dock that I’ve never seen before and I’m wondering what it is and how to get rid of it.  It’s like little flowerets with a reddish center and green frilly edges. 

     Thank you!

The following two photos were submitted by Resident.

WEBMASTER NOTE: Most of us find luscious blue green lawns very attractive. Sadly, the fertilizers used to maintain those beautiful, lush, weed free lawns dump huge amounts of phosphorus and nitrogen into our waterways system. Phosphorus, along with nitrogen, are two of a few primary factors responsible for weed and algae proliferation in the waterways system.

The city council recently authorized the city to fund a study to help identify problems and potential solutions in the fresh waterways system. We, the city ‘s residents, can do our part by either eliminating, or very judiciously using, chemical fertilizers and herbicides and removing and disposing of pet waste from our yards.

On Jul 8, 2022, Bruce Malloy <bmalloy50@gmail.com> wrote:

The new weed is most likely Azolla (also called water weed and mosquito weed) that returned this year after a 9 year absence. The treatment should take care of it. 

What canal do you live on? We would love to have a communications ambassador, let’s talk.

Bruce Malloy

On Jul 8, 2022, Bruce Malloy <bmalloy50@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi Resident, You can call me on 206-818-4118. 

Brue Malloy –  President,
Ocean Shores Fresh Waterways Corporation

On Fri, Jul 8, 2022, Resident wrote:

I live on the south end of the Grand Canal.  Here’s pics of what has showed up.  I’ve lived here since 2014 and never seen this.  Hopefully the treatment will work!

I would be interested in volunteering as a person who provides initial information to be homeowners.  It seems that is needed?

When are your meetings or is there a person I can meet with regard this?

Thanks,
Resident

On Thu, Jul 21, 2022, Resident wrote:

Hi Bruce, 

Just returned home and starting to work on my canal edge and it appears that I have hemlock growing along the water’s edge.  This is highly poisonous to both humans and animals.  I don’t think I have a way to safely remove this and wonder if this is something that falls under the jurisdiction of the city control?  Has anyone else reported having these?

Here are a few photos of what I have growing.  Do you have any advice?

Resident

The following additional photos were submitted by Resident:

From: Bruce Malloy <bmalloy50@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, Jul 21, 2022
Subject: Re: Welcome to Ocean Shores Fresh Waterways Corp “New in the canal?”
To: Resident

Hi Resident, We get reports of poison hemlock almost every year, most turn out to be one of the hemlock look-alikes, wild carrot, or Queen Anne’s Lace. Totally edible!  It’s impossible to identify from a photograph but our Aquatic Biologist will be on the water treating the canal with herbicides at the end of July and he will have a look. Poison Hemlock is tall, has purple splotches on the stalks, and unique leaves, see attached video. Is it growing in the canal or on your property? If I remember correctly your property is on the south end of the Grand canal, correct? An address would be helpful.

Bruce Malloy,
President Ocean Shores Fresh Waterways Corporation

Bruce included this very informative YouTube video link about Poison Hemlock:

 

On Jul 23, 2022, Bruce Malloy <bmalloy50@gmail.com> wrote:

Resident, Doug will be on your dock in 15 minutes or so to post your treatment notice and look at the hemlock.  Call me plz and let me know what he thinks.

On Sat, Jul 23, 2022, Resident wrote:

Bruce, I wasn’t there but my friend was and Doug said it’s not hemlock.  I’m totally surprised but relieved.  

Thanks for your communication. I’m only home for another week so won’t be able to talk with you about my potential involvement with Fresh Waterways until late August.

Resident

The following are a few of the County resources available to Ocean Shores residents for help with noxious weed issues:

• Grays Harbor Noxious Weed Control Board has a Facebook page:
  • https://www.facebook.com/GHNWProgram/
• Grays Harbor Noxious Control Board also has several useful webpages:
  • https://extension.wsu.edu/graysharbor/weeds/
  • https://extension.wsu.edu/graysharbor/weeds/faq/#:~:text=Grays%20Harbor%20Noxious%20Weed%20Control,at%20360%2D482%2D2934.
  • https://www.nwcb.wa.gov/weeds/poison-hemlock

Reminder, there are two Fresh Waterways entities in Ocean Shores.

• The Ocean Shores Fresh Waterways Corporation was formed about three decades ago when concerned residents took it upon themselves to address waterways issues that the City was unable to tackle (at that time).
  • The corporation is a non-profit, made up of seven volunteer trustees.
  • For the past several years, the members have volunteered hundreds of workhours every year in their efforts to keep the waterways navigable.
• The Fresh Waterways Advisory Board is one of several City boards or commissions tasked with advising the Mayor and City Council.
  • It is also made up of volunteers
  • Several of the Water Corporation trustees are also members of the advisory board.
  • They meet on the first Monday of every month at the Library meeting room. Check the city website for exact time and meeting agendas.

This link opens Northwest Aquatic Eco-Systems (Doug Dorling’s) 2021 aquatic weed control post treatment report. The report highlights the extent of the weed control issues in our waterways and shows several pre and post treatment graphics in the various regions of the waterways along with (mostly) non-technical explanatory text. One word I did not know was “littoral” which is defined as a region lying along a shore.

The 2020 Paddle The Shores event scheduled August 1st has been cancelled due to Covid-19. Stay safe and hope to see you next year.