Noxious Weeds in Washoe County

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1 Nevada Department of Agriculture Noxious Weeds in Washoe County Robert Little Noxious Weed Program Regulatory Coordinator Jamie Greer Noxious Weed Program Grants & Outreach Coordinator What We Will Cover What is a Noxious Weed? Noxious Weed problems in your county Current local efforts in your county Noxious Weed Statutes County responsibilities per statute Future Directions 1

2 What is a Noxious Weed? An invasive plant that has been listed and is regulated per statutes. STATE DEFINITION (NRS ) Noxious weed means any species of plant which is, or is likely to be, detrimental or destructive and difficult to control or eradicate. The state of Nevada currently has 47 listed noxious weeds (NAC ) Typical Common Weed Noxious Weed What is a Noxious Weed? All listed noxious weeds are split into category by distribution. Category A weeds are generally not found or limited in distribution across Nevada. Category B weeds are established in scattered populations across Nevada. Category C weeds are generally established and widely distributed across Nevada. Purple Loosestrife Category A Noxious Weed Medusahead Category B Noxious Weed Perennial Pepperweed Category C Noxious Weed 2

3 20 out of the 47 listed noxious weed species are known to occur in Washoe County Biggest Noxious Weed Concerns in Your County 2nd largest infestation of Medusahead found in the state. Medusahead leading to fire in urban interface. 3

4 Biggest Noxious Weed Concerns in Your County Largest continuous infestation of perennial pepperweed in the state Increase of yellow starthistle occurrence in popular recreation areas. Large musk and scotch thistle forests reported yearly. Biggest Noxious Weed Concerns in Your County Large amount of open spaces and vectors for spread (freeways, railroads, Truckee River, ect.) Large amount of development with potential for spread Large amount of valued recreational opportunities, agricultural production, and natural treasures 4

5 Current Noxious Weed Efforts in Washoe County Approximately $55,000 awarded to local groups for on-the-ground weed projects in the last 4 years from NDA CWMA sub-grants. $3.6 million awarded to Washoe County for ARRA Fire Restoration Projects ( ) Noxious Weed curriculum packet for Washoe County School Districts in development. The Nevada Weed Management Association statewide meeting has been hosted in Reno for past several years. Local Noxious Weed Control Partners in Washoe County Washoe County Parks and Open Space Truckee Meadows Weed Coordinating Group Nevada Land Trust Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful Friends of Nevada Wilderness Gerlach Cooperative Weed Management Area Summit Lake Paiute Tribe Great Basin Institute City of Reno City of Sparks * Many landowners and recreationists* EVEN WITH THESE LOCAL GROUPS, IN THE LAST TWO YEARS THE PRESSURE FROM STAKEHOLDERS FROM NEIGHBORING COUNTIES TO ENFORCE STATUTES HAS INCREASED EXPONENTIALLY! 5

6 Noxious Weed Statutes (NRS 555) NOXIOUS WEEDS ARE PROHIBITED TO POSSESS, GROW, OR TRANSPORT NRS Every landowner or occupier, whether private, city, county, or federal shall control all noxious weeds. NRS The State Quarantine Officer may serve notice upon the owner or occupant to control noxious weeds on their property. In this notice the NDA Noxious Weed Program specifies which noxious weeds are present, effective control measures, and required time range for controls to be completed to gain compliance with statutes County Responsibilities Per Noxious Weed Statutes (NRS 555) County participation is necessary to perform weed abatements if landowner fails to comply. NRS Should the owner/occupant fail to comply, the State Quarantine Officer may notify the board of county commissioners for the county in which the property is situated. The county board of commissioners shall proceed to have weeds controlled in accordance with the initial notice. NRS Control costs not paid by the owner shall be a lien against the property and shall be collected as provided by the law 6

7 What can we do to help solve noxious weed problems in Washoe County? FUTURE DIRECTIONS 1. Consider accepting the use of the NDA Noxious Weed Abatement MOU MOU created to allow state funds to be used to perform necessary abatements. Way for state to still fund and help perform abatement and abide by current statute requirements. Already accepted and to be used in 2014 season by Douglas County. What can we do to help solve noxious weed problems in Washoe County? FUTURE DIRECTIONS Cont. 2. Explore options for creation of a county weed district NRS The Legislature declares that it is primarily the responsibility of each owner or occupier of land in this State to control weeds on his or her own land, but finds that in certain areas this responsibility can best be discharged through control by organized districts. 7

8 Weed District = A county entity that reserves noxious weed regulatory powers and has the responsibility to control noxious weeds in the district area. NRS The board of county commissioners of any county may create one or more weed control districts within that county. Creation of such a district may be initiated by the board of county commissioners or by a petition. Weed Districts can be a good first step for counties to set up a means for noxious Weed control and enforcement in their county. What can we do to help solve noxious weed problems in Washoe County? FUTURE DIRECTIONS Cont. 3. Continue supporting local county weed control efforts Cheryl Surface, Washoe County, conducting ARRA project weeds tour. 4. Maintain regular communication between state, county and local organizations regarding noxious weeds in this area. 8

9 QUESTIONS? Robert Little Regulatory Coordinator Jamie Greer Grants & Outreach Coordinator