CE removing invasive ground vegetation Published June 26, 2015 By Brion Ockenfels Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- An invasive plant control contractor began spraying herbicides June 23 to eradicate existing ground-level vegetation along 50 acres on both sides of Crutcho Creek between Arnold Street and the Urban Greenway entrance including the entire area where old military family houses were demolished. "The contractor will follow up with a second application in the fall to eliminate remaining unwanted ground vegetation prior to planting new native grasses and wildflowers," said John Krupovage, natural resources manager with the 72nd Civil Engineer Directorate. "Seeding is scheduled for late winter to early spring 2016." Benefits include a reduction in grounds maintenance cost, improved ecosystem health, and improved water quality. Additionally, Mr. Krupovage said the effort will contribute to meeting goals outlined in the June 2014 Presidential Memorandum, Creating a Federal Strategy to Promote the Health of Honey Bees and Other Pollinators. Mr. Krupovage emphasized that grassy and broadleaf weeds are only targeted for spraying, not shrubs and trees. The 50 acres will be converted to native grassland and woodland vegetation.