Noxious weeds are a problem in Idaho. While many think that noxious weeds are someone else’s problem, we all play a part in their spread and in their control. The Mid-Snake RC&D Council meets quarterly with the Forest Service, BLM, County Commissioners, irrigation companies, weed control agencies and other entities. Almost all of them have expressed concerns about the rapid spread of noxious weeds in Idaho.
We believe that awareness is the first step to helping control the issue. So, first, what is a noxious weed? A noxious weed is a weed that has been designated by law to be deleterious-these can be on land or aquatic plants. In Idaho, they must also follow these criteria as listed on the Cassia County Weed Control webpage:
- It must be present in but not native to Idaho.
- It must be potentially more harmful than beneficial to Idaho.
- Eradication must be economically physically feasible.
- The potential adverse impact of the weed must exceed the cost of control.
Now, why are noxious weed important to control? Noxious weeds are a huge economic issue within the state of Idaho, causing approximately $300 million in damages annually. This damage comes in the forms of reduced grazing, blocked water ways, decreased biological diversity, loss of native plants and habitat, and reduced recreation. Idaho is currently losing about 4,600 acres of land to noxious weeds per day. What may seem like just one plant, or just one issue; some plants can spread up to 100,000 seeds per year, while others have root systems that are over 20 feet long or have seeds that are viable for decades. Some of the most biologically sophisticated plants even have systems that change the salt levels in the soil, thereby killing off the plants around them. Noxious weeds aren’t just a one-time problem, but rather a constant management issue that is everyone’s responsibility.
So, what can you do to help control the spread of noxious weeds? First and foremost-you can learn to identify noxious weeds. The first step to all problems is to become aware, there are many resources to help individuals identify weeds they find and if you can’t, your county weed superintendent can likely help you. Second, you can learn how to manage and control the plants on your property and reporting noxious weeds on public lands. If you travel to an area: clean your car, clothing, animal’s fur, shoes, boats or kayaks, and tools before leaving the area and traveling to the next one. This helps prevent the spread of seeds from one area to another. If you have livestock, always ensure to use certified weed free hay or straw when on state or federal lands.
While we would love to eradicate all noxious weeds, the goal is to keep them controlled. And you can help us achieve this!