In June 2009, MRWC members supported the development of an MRWC Saltcedar Control and Restoration Projects Database to be hosted by CIPM. CIPM hired Jessie Wiese, a recent MSU graduate, in fall 2009 to establish the database. Project tasks include:

• Coordinating with individuals from within the six-state region (CO, MT, NE, ND, SD, and WY) including state weed coordinators, county weed supervisors, conservation district representatives, academics, the Tamarisk Coalition, and others.
• Collecting information regarding saltcedar presence and absence, saltcedar treatment areas, biological treatment releases, methods used, restoration actions, costs associated, monitoring of treated sites, and treatment successes and failures.
• Working closely with CIPM’s database developer to compile information into a web-based database that is accessible and searchable by a diverse group of interested users.
• Developing training materials for use of the database.
• Presenting project progress updates and performing database training at MRWC semi-annual meetings.

In November and December 2009, Jessie Wiese worked with MSU database expert Ric Roche to outline the base structure for the database. The team sent out an email out to MRWC members to assess the database for correct treatment and infestation options. Responses were incorporated into the database design.

In January 2010, the new CIPM E-Communications Coordinator, Rance Harmon, took over database development. He has completed a draft version of the user interface. This web-based interface will enable those involved with invasive species research and management to enter site and treatment data into the database. Data collected will include saltcedar and Russian olive presence and absence, treatment options, infestation size, hydrologic condition, restoration actions, and monitoring of treated sites.

The database will be used to transfer information throughout the Missouri River watershed region and beyond. Site visitors will be able to search for treatment activities by species, location, hydrologic condition, infestation size, infestation age, and whether the site is being monitored. This information will be used to assess best management techniques for Russian olive and saltcedar control and restoration.

The team presented an update at the Spring 2010 MRWC meeting.