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What is a noxious weed? A noxious weed is a plant that is non-native to North America and has no local natural predators to curb its growth habits. This results in a plant species that is invasive, aggressive, highly reproductive, highly adaptable and persistant. Because noxious weeds grow without any discouragement from natural predators, they have the ability to overcome and dominate the existing native plant communities. Why do we have or need a noxious weed law? The Colorado Noxious Weed Act of 1996 mandates that all counties and municipalities shall develop a noxious weed list specific to their area and a noxious weed management plan for managing designated noxious weeds. By declaring a weed noxious, various procedures may be implemented to control the weed and to prevent its spread. This is done when it is determined that a particular weed so seriously threatens the welfare of the residents of the state that a concerned and sustained effort is needed to prevent serious economic loss. What are the noxious weeds in Pitkin County?
Are these the only weeds we need to be concerned about? No, there are more weeds on a Potential Invaders list which could degrade our mountain and valley areas. Weeds are included that have been sighted in neighboring counties. See Section 1.05 in the Pitkin County Noxious Weed Management Plan. What if my neighbors don’t control noxious weeds on their property? Most people will voluntarily take appropriate action once they become aware of the problem. It is important that we all be "Good Neighbors". If there is a property within unincorporated Pitkin County that is infested and the owner is not controlling noxious weeds found on Pitkin County’s list, then the County weed control can respond to official complaints. Who pays for noxious weed control? The persons owning or controlling the land are responsible for funding weed control work on such land. Pitkin County controls weeds on roadsides, open space and trails, county right of ways, and county properties. How can I identify noxious weeds on my property? The Pitkin County Vegetation Manager’s office has a variety of publications that can help you to identify the County’s noxious weeds. Your local weed agency can identify noxious weeds and will assist you in creating a weed management plan. What should I do if I see noxious weeds growing on my property or anywhere in the County, in the City of Aspen, or Town of Snowmass Village? Report the infestation to Pitkin County Vegetation Manager (970) 920-5214, City of Aspen (970) 920-5120, or Town of Snowmass Village (970) 923-5110, giving a detailed description of the location. I have introduced biological controls to control my musk thistle infestation. Can the county still require additional control measures? Yes. It is a good idea to check the biological control methods with your local weed control agency. Landowners must provide effective control for their noxious weeds. How does the Board of County Commissioners oversee the enforcement of noxious weeds? The County Commissioners serve as the noxious weed control authority. Duties of the authority include: * Employ a qualified person as its weed control Vegetation Manager. * Administer the Colorado Noxious Weed Control Act at the county level. * Establish a coordinated program for control of noxious weeds within the county. * Have the Vegetation Manager examine all land in the county for the purpose of determining whether the Noxious Weed Control Act and rules have been complied with. * Insure proper control methods be used on noxious weed infested land when the landowner fails to control such noxious weeds. How can you help promote good land stewardship to prevent the spread of noxious weeds? * Learn to identify the noxious weeds that are invading the area where you live and work. * Manage noxious weeds on your property and share your concerns with neighbors. * Revegetate disturbed areas and minimize ground disturbing activities. * Check soil that has been brought in from another place for noxious weeds. * Report the location of all known noxious weeds to your local weed agency so they can be mapped and dealt with quickly. * Always use integrated weed management techniques for the effective and safe management of noxious weeds. * Use native species for landscaping since these plants pose little threat to the environment . * Don’t allow overgrazing on your land. * Use weed-free hay and mulch. * Observe good land management practices such as water conservation, erosion control, proper fertilization, rotational grazing, revegetation, and maintenance of competitive vegetation. How can your local weed agency help you? * Provide weed education literature including Pitkin County Noxious Weed Management Plan, information sheets, pamphlets, books, etc. * Survey and map all noxious weed infestations countywide to identify the full extent of the weed problem and to detect infestations at an earlier and more preventable stage. * Provide educational services to the public through informational workshops, lectures, slide shows, and weed walks. * Conduct research on the best methods for weed control and eradication in Pitkin County. * Provide technical assistance to the public on weed identification, control, and eradication. * Assist with bio-control releases. * Enforce the Colorado State Noxious Weed Law. * Provide backpack weed sprayer rentals. Where are the Pitkin County, City of Aspen, and Town of Snowmass Weed Management contacts located? The Pitkin County weed control is located at the Pitkin County Public Works Office, 76 Service Center Road, Aspen, Colorado 81611, 920-5214.The City of Aspen weed control is located at the City of Aspen Parks Department, 585 Cemetery Lane, Aspen, Colorado 81611, 920-5120. The Town of Snowmass Village weed control is located at the Town of Snowmass Village Public Works Department, 3745 Owl Creek Road, Snowmass Village, CO 81615, 923-5110. |
