Articles
We Can't Do It Alone
We need your help in stopping the threat of noxious weeds. There are many things you can do to help prevent the introduction and spread of noxious weeds. First and foremost, know the top ten weeds in Wallowa County. Second, learn what you can do to prevent weeds on your property. Help by slowing their spread to new areas by washing your vehicles and equipment before venturing into new areas. Lastly, become a Weed Bounty Hunter and report new weed sites.
What are weeds?
Invasive plants (or weeds) are non-native aggressive plants with the potential to cause significant damage to native ecosystems and/or cause significant economic losses.
Noxious weeds are a subset of invasive plants that are county, state, or federally listed as injurious to public health, agriculture, recreation, wildlife, or any public or private property
Protect Your Property
- Avoid planting weed species in your yard or garden. Many varieties of noxious weeds are often found available in seed and plant forms from less reputable nurseries or seed catalogs. Some of the worst species, such as Orange Hawkweed or Japanese Knotweed, are actually quite attractive plants that would complement landscapes if it weren't for their dark side.
- Remove noxious weeds from your landscape. Learning to identify and properly cull weeds found in your area is critical to success.
- Plant native species in your landscape whenever possible.
- Watch for new weed populations as part of your land management activities. Weeds often establish along roads and disturbed rights-of-way and along waterways. Periodically inspect these areas.
- Create a weed management plan for your property. Discuss your plan with neighbors and consider cooperative projects with them.
- Purchase only guaranteed noxious weed free or sterilized bird seed.
- Buy certified weed-free hay, straw, and mulch.
- Minimize soil disturbance; bare soil provides an ideal environment for weed establishment.
- Reseed disturbed areas with native plants.
- Inform your friends, neighbors, newspaper editors, and local and government officials about the importance of slowing the invasion of noxious weeds.
Stop the Spread of Noxious Weeds
Why are noxious weeds a problem?
• Invade crop and rangelands, thus reducing food for livestock
• Increase soil erosion
• Rob native plants of water, nutrition, and light
• Reduce wildlife habitat
• Potentially toxic to animals and humans
• Cost Oregon citizens $100 million per year
• Clean your gear and equipment
Many noxious weeds are unknowingly spread from site to site through contaminated equipment, gear and recreational vehicles. Once established these noxious weeds can cause severe damage to our natural areas such as reducing habitat for fish and wildlife, affecting human health and reduction of property values. Clean and inspect your equipment, vehicles, and gear after each use to ensure no "hitchhikers" or seeds travel with you to your next adventure. Weed seeds have been known to get lodged in skid plates on the underside of off road vehicles and remain even after a pressure wash. Know where on your equipment weed seeds can hide!
• Clean your clothing, pets, and livestock
Enter public trails with clean shoes and clothing. Be aware of the potential for pets and livestock to collect and carry weed seeds in fir and hooves. Simply brushing animals, boots and clothing before leaving sites will help prevent the spread of noxious weeds to other areas.
• Use Weed Free Forage
Use only pelletized or certified weed-free hay and livestock feed prior to and during your trip.
Become a Weed Bounty Hunter: It Pays to Know Your Weeds!
What can I do?
• Know the top ten weeds in Wallowa County
• Protect Your Property
• Stop the Spread of Noxious Weeds
• Become a Weed Bounty Hunter
Weed Bounty Hunters help the Wallowa Canyonlands Partnership by reporting weed sites. To qualify, you must know or be willing to learn the top ten noxious weeds threatening Wallowa County and follow the rules and instructions. It pays to know your weeds; report a new weed site and win $200! To become a Weed Bounty Hunter, contact us.
Wallowa County Weed Plan
"The Wallowa County Integrated Weed Management Plan (IWMP) is a written strategy to inform and guide weed management activities for the Wallowa County Weed Control District."
