Many of the noxious weeds in the four County area came from regions with comparable climates in eastern Europe and western and central Asia. They were introduced through human activity, both accidentally and intentionally. For example, cheatgrass is believed to have come to the West as a wheat seed contaminant, while Purple loosestrife and Dalmatian toadflax were imported into the U.S. as garden flowers. These plants dominate many areas, can cause long term damage to native plant communities, and degrade natural resources.
One of the District’s highest priorities is to promote ecosystem health and one of the greatest obstacles to achieving this goal is the rapid expansion of weeds across public and private lands. These invasive plants can dominate and often cause permanent damage to natural plant communities. If not eradicated or controlled, noxious weeds will jeopardize the health of forests, waterways, and open spaces and the multitude of activities that occur on them. Our ability to respond effectively to the challenge of noxious weeds depends on the public's awareness and support.
You can help restore the millions of once healthy and productive rangelands, forestlands, and riparian areas overrun by noxious weeds. Learn to identify and control noxious weeds.
