2009 Weed Hall of Fame

Brad Elsberg – Elsberg Productions

Brad has been an assistant for the Idaho Weed Conference for the past few years helping presenters with their electronic needs and being readily available to assist with many of the special audio and visual presentations made in general sessions and workshops.  In addition, Brad has worked closely with the Idaho Weed Awareness Campaign and has helped to produce the Mortie Milfoil DVD and the improvements to the IWAC website.

Joey Milan – ISDA/BLM

Joseph Milan has brought an infectious energy to the first position in the Idaho Department of Agriculture dealing with biological control of weeds.  Joey’s work with biological control began in the Boise District of the Bureau of Land Management as a co-op student working toward a masters degree studying rush skeletonweed biological controls.  From there, he began work for the Idaho Department of Agriculture in a position shared with the BLM.  In any task, Joey goes above and beyond.  He has a practical vision of what is needed to promote the use of biological controls in the state and has put together a network of advocates and researchers to assist in developing and implementing the strategic plan for the use of biological control agents.  Joey has also been instrumental in the formation and implementation of a biological control monitoring protocol for the State.  He is very effective at sharing his knowledge with all manner of people and moving the integrated pest management technique of biological control into the mainstream through presentations, workshops and personal contacts.

Dave Springer – Washington County Weed Advisory Board

Dave assumed a leadership role in the weed world while serving as a Washington County Commissioner in the late 90’s.  He was the driving force, which led to the formation of the Lower Weiser River CWMA.  Upon leaving office, he returned to work on the ranch but was immediately chosen by local landowners to chair the Washington County Weed Advisory Board/LWRCWMA, a role in which he still serves today.  As a result of Dave’s outstanding leadership abilities, the Lower Weiser River CWMA continues to thrive; he maintains a vision of protecting our children’s heritage while consistently leading the group in a positive direction.  Under Dave’s leadership, the group has adopted the Neighborhood Project concept assisting large areas within the CWMA with on-the-ground efforts.  This method ensures that private landowners have ownership as they are on the project working side-by-side with government and other entities to stop the spread of noxious weeds.  He has been a strong advocate for education primarily when it comes to our youth.  Others have realized Dave’s commitment as he was recognized by the late Glen Secrist for his dedication, leadership and cooperation in the management of invasive weeds.  Dave has been a strong supporter for the growth of the weed program in Washington County and a driving force for implementation of alternative control methods such as goat grazing along the Weiser River Corridor.  Dave is a true weed warrior in action!

Rick Van Bebber – U.S. Forest Service

Rick is one of the pioneers in developing cooperative weed management areas, he literally wrote the book!  In his 2003 publication “CWMA Cookbook: a Recipe for Success,” Rick provides the necessary information on how to organize, develop, and operate a successful cooperative weed management area.  The concepts he refined in his book have now been employed by a number of states, most notably Idaho.  Rick continues to be a strong advocate for a cooperative approach to weed management and currently serves on the Idaho Weed Coordinating Committee.  His insight and deep understanding of noxious weed management challenges faced by land managers have made him a much sought after speaker and advocate for “pulling together.”

Weed Hall of Fame Criteria    Past Weed Hall of Fame winners