ATV power wash station helping to wash out invasive plants on the Chequamegon-Nicolet NF

By Cathy Fox on Jul 7, 2009

Innovative unit developed by Forest Service San Dimas Technology and Development

(Contributed by Karen Larsen and Teresa Maday, Washburn Ranger District, 715-373-2667)

When the 2006 call letter requesting problems that the San Dimas Technology and Development (T&D) department of the US Forest Service could possibly help solve, Karen Larsen, Trail Technician on the Washburn Ranger District, decided to submit a problem she could see growing- literally. Larsen challenged San Dimas T&D to develop a wash station to prevent the spread of invasive species from all-terrain vehicles. The answer was developed by Joe Flemming from San Dimas T&D in the form of a self-contained ATV power wash station that has a filtering system to catch seeds as small as 50 microns. Flemming utilized a freight container so that it could be portable and vandal proof. The wand in the unit provides 600 pounds per square inch (PSI) to effectively remove dirt and seeds. The power wash station was also designed to only accommodate ATV's and motorcycles, and not large vehicles. After a three-year period of testing the unit and working out the kinks, Flemming contacted Larsen to inform her he was coming to deliver and install the power wash station on June 5, 2009.

The decision regarding where to place the new ATV power wash station where it was readily accessible and visible to the public was easy to make. The Valhalla Recreation Area serves as the only motorized trailhead for ATVs on the Washburn Ranger District, so it only made sense to place the power wash station near the access point to the Valhalla Trail. "As far as we know, this is the only self contained ATV power wash unit in Wisconsin that actually filters and catches seeds for proper treatment and disposal," said Larsen. "It's also the only unit we know of that uses recycled water." Larsen checks the filters and water levels on a weekly basis. According to Larsen, "when water levels are low, I ask our district fire folks if they could use their engine vehicle to refill the holding tank." In the future, the plan is to install a solar well, as well as solar panels to provide water and power to the power wash unit.

Invasive non-native weeds, such as leafy spurge, garlic mustard, spotted knapweed, or reed canary grass are commonly found in areas of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Riders who chose not to stay on trails and ride illegally through these areas can pick up the seeds from these aggressive and unwelcomed species which can spread in other areas where the ATVs ride. By working with the Chequamegon ATV Association and the Northwoods Cooperative Weed Management Area, the Forest Service hopes the message of prevention of the spread of non-native invasive species by using the new power wash station and staying on designated trails and routes will help reduce the spread. Riders can wash their vehicles before and after use on the trails for free. "We don't want to see trails closed because of the spread of these weeds, so we need everyone who rides to help by washing their ATVs and staying on trails," said Larsen.