Notice to Puget Island Landowners

Notice to Puget Island Landowners

Diking District #1 (Puget Island and Little Island) will resume its annual vegetation management program during 2026. The district is required by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) to control vegetation along its right of way (dike slopes), slough and ditch banks. Vegetation is actively controlled from late spring to early fall as weather permits. The district’s main methods of control are mechanical mowing and the use of herbicides. For 2026, the U.S ACE has added emphasis on controlling blackberry growth along dike slopes. The district is asking landowners to remove blackberries from the dike slopes adjacent to their property. If the landowners choose to spray herbicides on the blackberries, the district reccommends using only a herbicide that targets brush. The district encourages the growth of native grasses along the dike slopes to prevent erosion issues. In September, the district will spray any remaining blackberries along the dike right of way. “No spray” signs are invalid without a signed vegetation management agreement with the diking district. The diking district meets the 2nd Friday of every month at 6:00 p.m. at the Puget Island Firehall.