ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT ARE NOXIOUS WEEDS?

Noxious weeds are non-native plants that have been introduced to Washington through human actions. Because of their aggressive growth and lack of natural enemies in the state these species can be highly destructive, competitive, or difficult to control. These exotic species not only reduce crop yields and destroy native plant and animal habitat; they can damage recreational opportunities, clog waterways, lower land values, and poison humans and livestock. Noxious weeds are everybody's problem.

WHAT ARE PIERCE COUNTY'S TOP PRIORITY WEEDS?

Although the Noxious Weed List includes many species, Tansy Ragwort, the Knapweed complex, and Poison hemlock are our highest priority weeds. In addition, the Board is working to prevent the spread of Gorse, Purple Loosestrife, Dalmatian Toadflax, and Giant Hogweed, and to reduce the existing infestations of these plants. See our Priority Weed List for more information about these weeds.

WHAT LAW MANDATES THE CONTROL OF WEEDS?

Washington's weed law (RCW17.10) mandates the control of many weed species. Detailed information about Washington's weed law is available at the Washington State Noxious Weed Board web site.

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTROL OF NOXIOUS WEEDS?

RCW 17.10 holds landowners, including counties and state land agencies, responsible for controlling weeds on their property. Federally owned lands are subject to the Federal Noxious Weed Act (Public Law 93-629). State and County weed boards and weed districts are available to help landowners choose the control method they feel is most appropriate for their property.

Detailed information about RCW 17.10 (pdf) is available from the Washington State Noxious Weed Board web site.

WHAT CAN I DO TO PREVENT WEED INFESTATIONS?

Use certified seed and forage.
Obey noxious weed laws and quarantines.
Choose noninvasive species for you gardens and landscapes.
Check vehicles, clothing, boats, boat trailers, and camping equipment for weeds and seeds.
Never dump an aquarium into a pond or stream.
Cover compost, topsoil, and mulch piles with a tarp.

WHAT CAN I DO TO CONTROL WEED INFESTATION?

Remove or control weeds safely and appropriately.
Replant with appropriate species to prevent weeds from returning.
Prevent seed production and the spread of weeds at a minimum.
Properly dispose of noxious weeds and weed seeds.
Follow best management practices for pastures and open spaces.

WHAT DOES THE TERM "CONTROL" MEAN?

"Control" is defined in WAC 16-750 as the prevention of all seed production. Each year, a list of noxious weeds is developed and is found in WAC 16-750. RCW 17.10 also establishes a program for administering the weed law. Education, coordination, and enforcement activities are carried out by three groups: Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board, County Noxious Weed Control Boards, and the Washington State Department of Agriculture.

Detailed information about RCW 17.10 (pdf) is available from the Washington State Noxious Weed Board web site as is the text of WAC 16-750 (pfd).

HOW CAN I IDENTIFY NOXIOUS WEEDS?

Color brochures are available free of charge from the Weed Board Office and may be picked up, or mailed to you upon request.

WHAT DO THE WEED DESIGNATIONS MEAN?

Class A weeds are non-native species with a limited distribution in the state. Therefore eradication of all Class A weeds is required by state law.

Class B weeds are species that are established in some regions of Washington, but are of limited distribution or not present in other regions of the state. Because of differences in distribution, treatment of Class B weeds varies between regions of the state. In regions where a Class B is unrecorded or of limited distribution, prevention of seed production is required. In these areas, the weed is a "Class B designate," meaning it is designated for control by state law. In regions where a Class B species is already abundant or widespread, control is a local option. In these areas the weed is a "Class B non-designate," with containment, gradual reduction, and prevention of further spread being the chief goals.

Washington has 22 Class C noxious weeds. Each species is already widely established in Washington or is of special interest to the state's agricultural industry. Placement on the state noxious weed list allows counties to enforce control if locally desired. Other counties may choose simply to provide education or technical consultation to county residents. Canada thistle, a Class C noxious weed, illustrated the desirability of a law that provides local flexibility. This species is widely established in Washington, and most counties prefer to provide technical consultation to landowners on methods of suppression and control. Enforcement of control is the preferred policy, however, in those counties which have crops grown for certified seed.