Noxious Weeds

Why the Big To Do about Weeds!!!!!!!

What is a noxious weed and why the Concern?

  • Originated off shore ie. Europe/Asia
  • Invasive, creates monoculture, forces out native species (Biodiversity of a putting green!)
  • No natural predators. No diseases to control
  • Wildlife loss of forage, cover and weather protection

Statistics:

  • Montana - spotted knapweed, Forage loss, Elk 50-90% 3 million acres
  • North Dakota Theo. Roosevelt N.P. - Leafy spurge Bison 83%, Deer/Elk 70%
  • Star thistle in the west has lost 8 million acres
  • Dept of Agriculture - 11 western states lost 10 millon acres on Prvt., State & Nat. F.
  • Colorado- 3,000 native species, 500 or 17% replaced by non native weeds

Control Measures:

  • Preventions
  • Cultural
  • Chemical - common but sometimes controversial
  • Biological
  • Mechanical

Summing it all up

  • Today we are where other states found themselves 10-15 years ago
  • Have great weed programs today, buy they waited too long
  • Lost millions of productive acres
  • WE CAN ILL AFFORD TO LET THIS HAPPEN

Colorado Strategic Plan to Stop Spread of Noxious Weeds- December 2001

  • Curb introduction of new Noxious species
  • Stop and contain species which are well established in State
  • Restore lands of exceptional Ag. and environmental value
 
EDUCATION   EDUCATION   EDUCATION   EDUCATION
 
NOXIOUS WEEDS ARE EVERYONES RESPONSIBILITY- TOWN/COUNTY/STATE/FEDERAL/PRIVATE
 
BE A WEED BUSTER AND PASS THE WORD:
 
"PULLING FOR COLORADO"  SATURDAY JULY 10, 2010 - 4 LOCATIONS FOR WEED PULLS 


Websites: www.cwma.org  Summit County Weeds
Other: Lisa Taylor 970-468-4218  Summit County Weed Coordinator
       John Taylor 970-262-5940  State Weed Board