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
- Mechanical ie. mow & dig
- Chemical - common but sometimes controversial
- Biological
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 7, 2012 8:30AM - Details to follow
Websites: www.cwma.org Summit County Weeds Other: Lisa Taylor 970-468-4218 Summit County Weed Coordinator John Taylor 970-262-5940 Past State Noxious Weed Board Frank Gutmann- FENW Board Summit County Ken Harper- FENW Board Eagle County
