Control

Detection

Prevention

Restoration

Monitoring

USDA - FOREST SERVICE

Guideto Noxious Weed Prevention Practices
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INDEX

Introduction..............................................................................4

Supporting Direction..................................................................4

Using This Guide........................................................................5 

General Weed Prevention Practices for Site-disturbing

Projects and Maintenance Programs...............................................6

Aquatic Weed Prevention Practices................................................8

Cultural Resources....................................................................10

Fire Management

Pre-fire, Pre-incident Training.............................................10

Plans..............................................................................10

Wildfires-General.............................................................10

Prescribed Fire.................................................................11

Fire Rehabilitation............................................................11

Forest Vegetation Management

Timber Harvest Operations & Stewardship Contracting............12

Post Vegetation Management Operations................................13

Grazing Management................................................................13

Lands and Special Uses...............................................................15

Minerals.................................................................................16

Recreation, Wilderness, and Special Management Areas......................16

Research Activities.....................................................................17

Road Management

New and Reconstruction......................................................17

Road Maintenance and Decommissioning.................................17
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Watershed Management.............................................................18

Wildlife, Fisheries, and Botany......................................................19

Appendix 1, Forest Service Timber Sale Contract Provisions................20

Appendix 2, Sample Special Use Supplemental Clause.........................23

Appendix 3, Example of a Closure Order.........................................25
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USDA-Forest Service

GUIDE TO

NOXIOUS WEED PREVENTION PRACTICES

Introduction

Preventing the introduction and spread of noxious weeds is one objective of Integrated Weed 

Management Programs on National Forest System lands throughout the United States. This Guide 

to Noxious Weed Prevention Practices (Guide) provides a comprehensive directory of weed 

prevention practices for use in Forest Service planning and wildland resource management 

activities and operations. This Guide will help National Forest and Grassland managers and 

cooperators identify weed prevention practices that mitigate identified risks of weed introduction 

and spread for a project or program.

This Guide uses the term “weed” to include all plants defined as “noxious weeds” by Forest 

Service policy:

“. . .plants designated as noxious weeds by the Secretary of Agriculture or by the 

responsible State official. Noxious weeds generally possess one or more of the 

following characteristics: aggressive and difficult to manage, poisonous, toxic, 

parasitic, a carrier or host of serious insects or disease, and being native or new 

to or not common to the United States or parts thereof.” (FSM 2080.5)

For National Forests and Grasslands that use a State-defined noxious weed list, the listed weed 

species are the priority for implementing weed prevention practices in cooperation with neighbors 

and partners. National forests and grasslands that do not have a State-defined noxious weed list 

need to determine local weed prevention priorities using weed lists created by other State or local 

organizations. At line officer’s discretion, the practices described in this Guide may also be 

applied to non-native invasive plants that are not defined as “noxious”.

Supporting Direction

This Guide to Noxious Weed Prevention Practices supports 

implementation of the February 3, 1999 Executive Order on Invasive 

Species. Federal agencies are expected to follow the direction in the 

Executive Order.

Development of weed prevention practices is supported by Forest Service noxious weed policy 

and strategy. Forest Service policy identifies prevention of the introduction and establishment of 

noxious weed infestations as an agency objective. This policy directs the Forest Service to: (1) 

determine the factors that favor establishment and spread of noxious weeds, (2) analyze weed risks 

in resource management projects, and (3) design management practices to reduce these risks. The 

Forest Service Noxious Weed Strategy identifies development of practices for prevention and 

mitigation during ground-disturbing activities as a long-term emphasis item. The February 1999 

Executive Order on Invasive Species requires Federal agencies to use relevant programs and 
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authorities to prevent the introduction of invasive species and not authorize or carry out actions 

that are likely to cause the introduction or spread of invasive species unless the agency has 

determined, and made public, documentation that shows that the benefits of such actions clearly 

outweigh the potential harm, and all feasible and prudent measures to minimize risk of harm will 

need to be taken in conjunction with the actions.

Using This Guide

All resource management projects need to analyze weed risks in the planning stage. Risk includes 

identifying the likelihood of weeds spreading to the project area and determining the consequence 

of weed establishment in the project area. Resource programs undertaking maintenance

operations need to analyze weed risks when preparing operating plans. A finding of risk is the 

basis for identifying the appropriate weed prevention practices from the Guide, which are likely to 

be effective in a particular project situation.

When considering the use of a weed prevention practice for a specific project or resource program, 

evaluate the efficacy of the weed prevention practice to meet the goal, its feasibility to implement 

in the specific situation, and its cost-effectiveness. A determination of cost-effectiveness may 

consider the probability and cost of weed control if a weed prevention practice is not used and the 

relative contribution of the project or activity to the overall weed risk at the site.

The Guide identifies weed prevention practices that can be applied to specific site-disturbing

projects and that may also be applicable for maintenance activities. These weed prevention 

practices are listed in the first section: “General Weed Prevention Practices for Site-disturbing

Projects and Maintenance Activities.” The remaining sections list weed prevention practices that 

are more uniquely applicable to particular resource management programs, listed by type of 

resource activity. The intent of this Guide is for managers to first identify and apply the General 

Weed Prevention practices and then supplement those practices with the appropriate resource 

activity specific guidance.

The Guide to Noxious Weed Prevention Practices provides a toolbox of ideas for use in 

mitigating identified weed risks in resource management operations. The Guide adds no 

new requirements or regulations.

 In 2001 two weed prevention practices are required by Forest Service policy:

1. For forested vegetation management operations, use equipment cleaning contract 

provisions WO-C/CT 6.36 (see Appendix 1)

2. Post and enforce weed-free feed orders, where they exist. (FSM 2081.03).

All other weed prevention practices in this Guide are optional for use based upon an 

analysis of weed risks. This list of practices, if applied, is considered to be good overall 

direction, however, not all of these practices can be implemented in every project.
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General Weed Prevention Practices for Site-disturbing

Projects and Maintenance Programs

Goal 1: Incorporate weed prevention and control into project layout, design, alternative 

evaluation, and project decisions.

 Practice 1: Environmental analysis for projects and maintenance programs will need to 

assess weed risks, analyze potential treatment of high-risk sites for weed establishment and 

spread, and identify prevention practices. Determine prevention and maintenance needs, to 

include the use of herbicides, if needed, at the onset of project planning.

Goal 2. Avoid or remove sources of weed seed and propagules to prevent new weed infestations 

and the spread of existing weeds.

 Practice 2. Before ground-disturbing activities begin, inventory and prioritize weed 

infestations for treatment in project operating areas and along access routes. Identify 

what weeds are on site, or within reasonably expected potential invasion vicinity, and do a 

risk assessment accordingly. Control weeds as necessary.

 Practice 3. After completing “Practice 2” above, to reduce risk of spreading weed 

infestations, begin project operations in uninfested areas before operating in weed-infested

areas.

 Practice 4. Locate and use weed-free project staging areas. Avoid or minimize all types of 

travel through weed-infested areas, or restrict to those periods when spread of seed or 

propagules are least likely.

 Practice 5. Determine the need for, and when appropriate, identify sites where equipment 

can be cleaned. Clean equipment before entering National Forest System lands; a Forest

Officer, in coordination with the Unit Invasive Species Coordinator, needs to approve use 

of on-Forest cleaning sites in advance. This practice does not apply to service vehicles 

traveling frequently in and out of the project area that will remain on the roadway. Seeds 

and plant parts need to be collected when practical and incinerated. Remove mud, dirt, and 

plant parts from project equipment before moving it into a project area.

 Practice 6. Clean all equipment, before leaving the project site, if operating in areas 

infested with weeds. Determine the need for, and when appropriate, identify sites where 

equipment can be cleaned. Seeds and plant parts need to be collected when practical and 

incinerated.

 Practice 7. Workers need to inspect, remove, and properly dispose of weed seed and plant 

parts found on their clothing and equipment. Proper disposal means bagging the seeds and 

plant parts and incinerating them.

 Practice 8. Coordinate project activities with any nearby herbicide application to 

maximize cost effectiveness of weed treatments.
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 Practice 9. Evaluate options, including closure, to regulate the flow of traffic on sites 

where desired vegetation needs to be established. Sites could include road and trail rightsof-way, and other areas of disturbed soils.

Goal 3. Prevent the introduction and spread of weeds caused by moving infested sand, gravel, 

borrow, and fill material in Forest Service, contractor and cooperator operations. For practices 10 

through 12 below, work with the responsible transportation agencies to voluntarily adopt these 

practices where county and state governments have responsibility for maintenance of roads that 

cross National Forest System lands.

 Practice 10. Inspect material sources on site, and ensure that they are weed-free before use 

and transport. Treat weed-infested sources for eradication, and strip and stockpile 

contaminated material before any use of pit material.

 Practice 11. Inspect and document the area where material from treated weed-infested

sources is used, annually for at least three years after project completion, to ensure that any 

weeds transported to the site are promptly detected and controlled.

 Practice 12. Maintain stockpiled, uninfested material in a weed-free condition.

Goal 4. In those vegetation types with relatively closed canopies, retain shade to the extent 

possible to suppress weeds and prevent their establishment and growth.

 Practice 13. Retain native vegetation in and around project activity to the maximum

extent possible consistent with project objectives.

Goal 5. Avoid creating soil conditions that promote weed germination and establishment.

 Practice 14. Minimize soil disturbance to the extent practical, consistent with project 

objectives.

Goal 6. Where project disturbance creates bare ground, consistent with project objectives, reestablish vegetation to prevent conditions to establish weeds. 

 Practice 15. Revegetate disturbed soil (except travelways on surfaced projects) in a 

manner that optimizes plant establishment for that specific site. Define for each project 

what constitutes disturbed soil and objectives for plant cover revegetation.

 Practice 16. Revegetation may include topsoil replacement, planting, seeding, fertilization, 

liming, and weed-free mulching as necessary. Use native material where appropriate and 

feasible. Use certified weed-free or weed-seed-free hay or straw where certified materials 

are required and/or are reasonably available. Always use certified materials in areas closed 

by administrative order; refer to Appendix 3 for a sample closure order. Where practical, 

stockpile weed-seed-free topsoil and replace it on disturbed areas (e.g. road embankments 

or landings) 

 Practice 17. Use local seeding guidelines to determine detailed procedures and appropriate 
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mixes. To avoid weed-contamination, a certified seed laboratory needs to test each lot 

against the all-State noxious weed list to Association of Seed Technologists and Analysts 

(AOSTA) standards, and provide documentation of the seed inspection test. There are 

plant species not on State and Federal noxious weed lists that the Forest Service would 

consider non-native invasive weeds. Check State and Federal lists to see if any local 

weeds need to be added prior to testing. Seed lots labeled as certified weed free at time of 

sale may still contain some weed seed contamination. Non-certified seed should first be 

tested before use.

 Practice 18. Inspect and document all limited term ground-disturbing operations in 

noxious weed infested areas for at least three ( 5) growing seasons following completion of 

the project. For on-going projects, continue to monitor until reasonable certainty is 

obtained that no weeds have occurred. Provide for follow-up treatments based on 

inspection results.

Goal 7. Improve effectiveness of prevention practices through weed awareness and education.

 Practice 19. Provide information, training and appropriate weed identification materials to 

people potentially involved in weed introduction, establishment, and spread on National 

Forest System lands, including agency managers, employees, forest workers, permit 

holders, and recreational visitors. Educate them to an appropriate level in weed 

identification, biology, impacts, and effective prevention measures. 

 Practice 20. Provide proficient weed management expertise at each administrative unit.

Expertise means that necessary skills are available and corporate knowledge is maintained.

 Practice 21. Develop incentive programs encouraging weed awareness detection, 

reporting, and for locating new invaders.

Goal 8. Set the example; maintain weed-free administrative sites. 

 Practice 22. Treat weeds at administrative sites and use weed prevention practices to 

maintain sites in a weed-free condition.

Aquatic Weed Prevention Practices

Goal 1. To prevent new weed infestations and the spread of existing weeds, avoid or remove 

sources of weed seed and propagules.

 Aquatic 1. Provide outreach to state fish and game departments, counties, and other 

agencies concerning the unique prevention measures and control practices associated with 

aquatic weeds.

 Aquatic 2. Inspect boats (including air boats), trailers, and other boating equipment and 

remove any visible plants, animals, or mud before leaving any waters or boat launching 

facilities. Drain water from motor, live well, bilge, and transom wells while on land before 
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leaving the vicinity. Wash and dry boats, tackle, downriggers, anchors, nets, floors of 

boats, props, axles, trailers, and other boating equipment to kill weeds not visible at the 

boat launch. 

 Aquatic 3. Before transporting to new waters, rinse boat and boating equipment with hot 

(40°C or 104°F) clean water, spray boat or trailer with high-pressure water, or dry boat and 

equipment for at least 5 days. 

 Aquatic 4. Inspect seaplanes and remove weeds from floats, wires, cables, water rudders, 

and pump floats; wash with hot water or spray with high-pressure water, or dry for at least 

5 days. 

 Aquatic 5. Before take-off – avoid taxiing through heavy surface growths of weeds before 

takeoff; raise and lower water rudders several times to clear off plants. If weeds were 

picked up during landing, clean off the water rudders before take-off and leave the water 

rudders up during take-off. After take-off – if water rudders were down during take-off,

raise and lower water rudders several times to free weed plant fragments while over 

original body of water or over land. If weeds remain visible on floats or water rudders, the 

pilot may return to flight origin and remove plants if an extra landing and takeoff is not a 

safety concern. 

 Aquatic 6. Maintain a l00 feet buffer of aquatic weed-free clearance around boat launches 

and docks.

 Aquatic 7. Promptly post sites if aquatic invasives are found. Confine infestation; where 

prevention is infeasible or ineffective, close facility until infestation is contained. 

 Aquatic 8. Wash and dry tackle, downriggers, float tubes, waders, and other equipment to 

remove or kill harmful species not visible at the boat launch.

 Aquatic 9. Avoid moving weed plants from one body of water to another. 

 Aquatic 10. Avoid running personal watercraft through aquatic plants near boat access 

locations. Instead, push or winch watercraft onto the trailer without running the engine.

After the watercraft is out of the water, start the engine for 5-10 seconds to blow out any 

excess water and vegetation. After engine has stopped, pull weeds out of the steering 

nozzle. Inspect trailer and any other sporting equipment for weed fragments and remove 

them before leaving the access area. Wash or dry watercraft before transporting to another 

body of water. 

 Aquatic 11. Waterfowl hunters may use elliptical, bulb-shaped, or strap anchors on 

decoys, because these types of anchors avoid collecting submersed and floating aquatic 

plants. Inspect waders and hip boots, removing any aquatic plants, and where possible, 

rinse mud from them before leaving the water. Remove aquatic plants, animals, and mud 

attached to decoy lines and anchors. 

 Aquatic 12. Construct new boat launches and ramps at deep-water sites. Restrict 

motorized boats in lakes near areas that are infested with weeds. Move sediment to upland 
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or quarantine areas when cleaning around culverts, canals, or irrigation sites. Clean 

equipment before moving to new sites. Inspect and clean equipment before moving from 

one project area to another.

Cultural Resources

 Use the General weed prevention practices.

Fire Management

Pre-fire, Pre-incident Training

Goal 1. Improve effectiveness of prevention practices through weed awareness and education.

 Fire 1. Increase weed awareness and weed prevention in all fire training.

 Fire 2. Include weed risk factors and weed prevention practices in Resource Advisor 

duties on all Incident Management Teams and Burn Rehabilitation Teams.

Plans

Goal 2. Improve effectiveness of prevention practices through weed awareness and education.

 Fire 3. Assign a local weed specialist or include in Resource Advisor duties to the Incident 

Management Team when wildfire or control operations occur in or near a noxious weed 

area.

 Fire 4. Resource Advisors need to provide briefings that identify operational practices to 

reduce weed spread, (for example: avoiding known weed infestation areas when locating 

fire lines). Include this information in shift briefings.

 Fire 5. Provide weed identification aids to Field Observers.

Wildfires – General

All wildfire weed prevention goals apply except in instances where human life or property is at 

risk.

Goal 3. Avoid or remove sources of weed seed and propagules to prevent new weed infestations 

and the spread of existing weeds.

 Fire 6. Ensure that rental equipment is free of weed seed and propagules before the 

contracting officers representative accepts it.
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 Fire 7. Maintain a network of airports, helibases, camps, and staging areas in a noxious 

weed-free condition.

 Fire 8. Coordinate with local weed specialists to locate and treat practice jump areas to 

make them weed-free.

 Fire 9. Inspect and treat weeds that establish at equipment cleaning sites after fire 

incidents.

Goal 4. Avoid creating soil conditions that promote weed germination and establishment.

 Fire 10. Use appropriate suppression tactics to reduce suppression-induced disturbances to 

soil and vegetation while minimizing seedbed creation due to disturbance from fire effects.

.

 Fire 11. Avoid moving water buckets from infested lakes to lakes that are not infested 

prior to inspection and cleaning. There is no hazard in using water infested with aquatic 

weeds on terrestrial sites.

Prescribed Fire

Goal 5. To prevent new weed infestations and the spread of existing weeds, avoid or remove 

sources of weed seed and propagules or manage fire as an aid in control of weeds.

 Fire 12. Ensure that rental equipment is free of weed seed and propagules before the 

contracting officers representative accepts it.

 Fire 13. Avoid ignition and burning in areas at high risk for weed establishment or spread 

due to fire effects. Treat weeds that establish or spread because of unplanned burning of 

weed infestations.

 Fire 14. When possible use staging areas and helibases that are maintained in a weed-free

condition.

 Fire 15. Pre-inventory project area and evaluate weeds present with regard to the effects 

on the weed spread relative to the fire prescription.

Goal 6. Avoid creating soil conditions that promote weed germination and establishment.

 Fire 16. Use appropriate preparation and suppression tactics to reduce disturbances to soil 

and vegetation.

Fire Rehabilitation

Goal 7. Incorporate weed prevention into project layout, design, alternative evaluation, and 

decisions.

 Fire 17. Evaluate weed status and risks in Burned Area Emergency Rehabilitation plans.
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When appropriate, apply for Burned Area Emergency Rehabilitation and restoration 

funding.

Goal 8. To prevent conditions favoring weed establishment, re-establish vegetation on bare 

ground caused by project disturbance as soon as possible using either natural recovery or artificial 

techniques as appropriate to the site objectives.

 Fire 18. To prevent weed spread, treat weeds in burned areas as part of the Burned Area 

Emergency Rehabilitation plan. For known infestations that will likely increase, the first 

preference is prevention, such as planting species to compete with unwanted plants.

 Fire 19. Inspect and document weed establishment at fire access roads, cleaning sites, all 

disturbed staging areas, and within burned areas; control infestations to prevent spread 

within burned areas. If you suspect the presence of noxious weeds, request BAER funds to 

inspect and document for emergence in the spring. Request BAER funds for control if 

noxious weeds are present and NEPA has already been approved.

 Fire 20. Seed and straw mulch to be used for burn rehabilitation (for wattles, straw bales, 

dams, etc.) all need to be inspected and certified that they are free of weed seed and 

propagules.

 Fire 21. Regulate human, pack animal, and livestock entry into burned areas at risk for 

weed invasion until desirable site vegetation has recovered sufficiently to resist weed 

invasion.

Forest Vegetation Management 

Timber Harvest Operations & Stewardship Contracting

Goal 1. Avoid or remove sources of weed seed and propagules to prevent new weed infestations 

and the spread of existing weeds.

 Forest Veg 1. Treat weeds on projects used by contractors, emphasizing treatment of weed 

infestations on existing landings, skid trails, and helibases before activities commence.

 Forest Veg 2. Train contract administrators to identify noxious weeds and select lower risk 

sites for landings and skid trails.

 Forest Veg 3. Encourage operators to maintain weed-free mill yards, equipment parking, 

and staging areas.

 Forest Veg 4. Use standard timber sale contract provisions such as WO-C/CT 6.36 to 

ensure appropriate equipment cleaning (reference Appendix 1).
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Goal 2. To prevent weed germination and establishment, retain native vegetation in and around 

project activity and keep soil disturbance to a minimum consistent with project objectives.

 Forest Veg 5. Minimize soil disturbance to no more than needed to meet project 

objectives. Logging practices to reduce soil disturbance include, but are not limited to:

Over-snow logging 

Skyline or helicopter logging 

Reuse landings, skid trails and helibases when they are weed free

 Forest Veg 6. Minimize period from end of logging to site preparation, revegetation, and 

contract closure.

Post Vegetation Management Operations

Goal 3. To prevent weed germination and establishment, retain native vegetation in and around 

project activity and keep soil disturbance to a minimum consistent with project objectives.

 Forest Veg 7. Minimize soil disturbance to no more than needed to meet vegetation 

management objectives. Prevention practices to reduce soil disturbance include, but are 

not limited to:

Treating fuels in place instead of piling

Minimizing heat transfer to soil in burning 

Minimizing fireline construction

Goal 4. To prevent favorable conditions for weed establishment, re-establish vegetation on bare 

ground caused by project disturbance.

 Forest Veg 8. For long-term restoration and weed suppression where forested vegetation 

management has created openings, recognize the need for prompt reforestation.

Grazing Management

Goal 1. Consider noxious weed prevention and control practices in the management of grazing 

allotments.

 Grazing 1. Include weed prevention practices, inspection and reporting direction, and 

provisions for inspection of livestock concentration areas in allotment management plans 

and annual operating instructions for active grazing allotments.

 Grazing 2. For each grazing allotment containing existing weed infestations, include 

prevention practices focused on preventing weed spread and cooperative management of 

weeds in the annual operating instructions. Prevention practices may include, but are not 

limited to:
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Altering season of use 

Exclusion

Activities to minimize potential ground disturbance 

Preventing weed seed transportation 

Maintaining healthy vegetation 

Weed control methods 

Revegetation

Inspection

Reporting

Education

Goal 2. Avoid or remove sources of weed seed and propagules to prevent new weed infestations 

and the spread of existing weeds. Minimize transport of weed seed into and within allotments.

 Grazing 3. If livestock are potentially a contributing factor to seed spread, schedule use by 

livestock in units with existing weed infestations which are known to be susceptible to 

spread by livestock, to be prior to seed-set or after seed has fallen. 

 Grazing 4. If livestock were transported from a weed-infested area, annually inspect and 

treat allotment entry units for new weed infestations. 

 Grazing 5. Close pastures to livestock grazing when the pastures are infested to the degree 

that livestock grazing will continue to either exacerbate the condition on site or contribute 

to weed seed spread. Designate those pastures as unsuitable range until weed infestations 

are controlled.

Goal 3. Maintain healthy, desirable vegetation that is resistant to weed establishment.

 Grazing 6. Through the allotment management plan or annual operating instructions, 

manage the timing, intensity (utilization), duration, and frequency of livestock activities 

associated with harvest of forage and browse resources to maintain the vigor of desirable 

plant species and retain live plant cover and litter.

 Grazing 7. Manage livestock grazing on restoration areas to ensure that vegetation is well 

established. This may involve exclusion for a period of time consistent with site objectives 

and conditions. Consider practices to minimize wildlife grazing on the areas if needed.

Goal 4. Minimize disturbed ground conditions favorable for weed establishment in the 

management of livestock grazing.

 Grazing 8. Include weed prevention practices that reduce ground disturbance in allotment 

management plans and annual operating instructions. Consider for example: changes in 

the timing, intensity, duration, or frequency of livestock use; location and changes in salt 

grounds; restoration or protection of watering sites; and restoration of yarding/loafing 

areas, corrals, and other areas of concentrated livestock use.

 Grazing 9. Inspect known areas of concentrated livestock use for weed invasion.
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Inventory and manage new infestations. 

Goal 5. Improve effectiveness of weed prevention practices through awareness programs and 

education. Promote weed awareness and prevention efforts among range permittees.

 Grazing 10. Use education programs or annual operating instructions to increase weed 

awareness and prevent weed spread associated with permittees’ livestock management 

practices.

 Grazing 11. To aid in their participation in allotment weed control programs, encourage 

permittees to become certified pesticide use applicators.

Lands and Special Uses

Goal 1. Avoid or remove sources of weed seed and propagules to prevent new weed infestations

and the spread of existing weeds.

 Lands 1. Consider weed status of lands when making land adjustment decisions.

 Lands 2. Conduct weed inventories of all lands considered for acquisition.

 Lands 3. As a condition of land adjustment decisions, the Forest Service may require the 

nonfederal proponent to treat weeds, to federal standards, on the land proposed for federal 

acquisition.

 Lands 4. Include a weed prevention and control provision in all new special-use

authorizations such as, permits, easements or leases involving ground-disturbing activities 

when authorized activities present a high risk for weed infestation or the location of the 

activity is vulnerable to weed introduction or spread. Include a weed prevention and 

control provision in existing authorizations that authorize ground-disturbing activities 

when the authorization is amended for other reasons; consider the need to amend an 

authorization directly, when ground-disturbing activities are involved. These provisions 

can be accomplished through the development and incorporation of a supplemental clause 

(reference sample clause R1-D4 in Appendix 2) or as a requirement in an associated 

operation and maintenance plan.
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Minerals

Goal 1. Incorporate weed prevention into project layout, design, alternative evaluation, and 

decisions.

 Minerals 1. Include weed prevention measures, including project inspection and 

documentation, in operation and reclamation plans.

Goal 2. To prevent conditions favoring weed establishment, minimize bare soil conditions and reestablish vegetation on bare ground caused by project disturbance.

 Minerals 2. Retain bonds until reclamation requirements are completed, including weed 

treatments, based on inspection and documentation.

Recreation, Wilderness, and Special Management Areas

Goal 1. To prevent new weed infestations and the spread of existing weeds, avoid or remove 

sources of weed seed and propagules.

 Recreation 1. Encourage public land users before recreating on public lands, to inspect and

clean motorized and mechanized trail vehicles of weeds and their seeds.

 Recreation 2. On designated public lands, issue closure orders that specify the use of weed 

free or weed-seed-free feed, hay, straw, and mulch. Refer to 36 CFR 251.50 and Appendix 

3. Cooperate with State, County, Tribal governments, and other agencies to develop and 

support publicly available weed-free materials. 

 Recreation 3. Where they exist, post and enforce weed-free feed orders. (FSM 2081.03)

 Recreation 4. Encourage backcountry pack and saddle stock users to feed stock only 

weed-free feed for several days before travel on National Forest System lands.

 Recreation 5. Inspect, brush, and clean animals, especially hooves and legs before entering 

public land. Inspect and clean tack and equipment.

 Recreation 6. Tie or hold stock in ways that minimize soil disturbance and avoid loss of 

desirable native vegetation.

 Recreation 7. Annually inspect all campgrounds, trailheads, and recreation areas that are 

open to public vehicle use for weeds; treat new infestations.

 Recreation 8. Maintain trailheads, boat launches, outfitter and public camps, picnic areas, 

airstrips, roads leading to trailheads, and other areas of concentrated public use in a weed-
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free condition. Consider high use recreation areas as high priority for weed eradication. 

 Recreation 9. Consider seasonal or full time closure to campgrounds, picnic areas, and 

other recreation use areas until weeds are reduced to levels that minimize potentials for 

spread.

 Recreation 10. In areas susceptible to weed infestation, limit vehicles to designated, 

maintained travel routes. Inspect and document inspections on travelways for weeds and 

treat as necessary.

Goal 2. Improve effectiveness of prevention practices through weed awareness and education.

 Recreation 11. Post weed awareness messages and prevention practices at strategic 

locations such as trailheads, roads, boat launches, and forest portals.

 Recreation 12. In weed-infested areas, post weed awareness messages and prevention 

practices at roadsides.

Research Activities

Goal 1. Incorporate weed prevention into research project design, layout, installation, and 

decisions.

Research 1. Address weed establishment risk and spread in research project study plans and 

decisions.

Road Management

New and Reconstruction

Goal 1. Incorporate weed prevention into project layout, design, alternative evaluation, and 

decisions.

 Road 1. For timber sale purchaser road maintenance and decommissioning, use standard 

timber sale contract provisions such as WO-C/CT 6.36 to ensure appropriate equipment 

cleaning (reference Appendix 1).

 Road 2. For road new and reconstruction conducted as part of public works (construction) 

contracts and service contracts include contract language for equipment cleaning such as is 

in WO-C/CT 6.36 (Appendix 1).

Road Maintenance and Decommissioning

Goal 2. Minimize roadside sources of weed seed that could be transported to other areas. 
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 Road 3. Periodically inspect system roads and rights-of-way for invasion of noxious 

weeds. Train road maintenance staff to recognize weeds and report locations to the local 

weed specialist. Inventory weed infestations and schedule them for treatment. 

 Road 4. Schedule and coordinate blading or pulling of noxious weed-infested roadsides or 

ditches in consultation with the local weed specialist. Do not blade or pull roadsides and 

ditches that are infested with noxious weeds unless doing so is required for public safety or 

protection of the roadway. If the ditch must be pulled, ensure the weeds remain on-site.

Blade from least infested to most infested areas. When it is necessary to blade noxious 

weed-infested roadsides or ditches, schedule activity when seeds or propagules are least 

likely to be viable and to be spread. Minimize soil surface disturbance and contain bladed 

material on the infested site.

 Road 5. Avoid acquiring water for dust abatement where access to the water is through 

weed-infested sites.

 Road 6. For timber sale purchaser road maintenance and decommissioning, use contract

provisions for equipment cleaning such as WO-C/CT 6.36 (Appendix 1).

 Road 7. For road maintenance and decommissioning conducted as part of public works 

(construction) contracts and service contracts include contract language for equipment 

cleaning such as is in WO-C/CT 6.36 (Appendix 1).

 Road 8. Treat weeds in road decommissioning and reclamationprojects before roads are 

made impassable. Reinspect and follow-up based on initial inspection and documentation.

 Watershed Management

Goal 1. Avoid or remove sources of weed seed and propagules to prevent new weed infestations 

and the spread of existing weeds.

 Watershed 1. Inspect and document for early detection of noxious weed establishment and

spread in riparian areas and wetlands. Eradicate new infestations before they become 

established.

 Watershed 2. Address noxious weed risks in watershed restoration projects and water 

quality management plans.

 Watershed 3. Pay particular attention to practices listed under “General Weed Prevention 

Practices for Site-disturbing Projects and Maintenance Programs” and Aquatic Weed 

Prevention Practices”.
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19

Wildlife, Fisheries, and Botany

Goal 1. Avoid creating soil conditions that promote weed germination and establishment.

 Wildlife 1. Periodically inspect and document those areas where wildlife concentrate in 

the winter and spring resulting in overuse or soil scarification.

 Wildlife 2. Use weed-free materials at big game baiting stations.

 Wildlife 3. For wildlife openings and habitat improvement projects, follow the practices 

outlined in General Weed Prevention Practices--Goal 4; Forest Vegetation Management, 

Timber Harvest Operations & Stewardship Contracting.
Version 1.0, Dated July 5, 2001

20

APPENDIX 1

FOREST SERVICE TIMBER SALE

CONTRACT PROVISIONS

WO-C6.36

C6.36 – EQUIPMENT CLEANING. (5/01) Unless the entire Sale Area is already infested with 

specific noxious weed species of concern, Purchaser shall ensure that prior to moving on to the 

Sale Area all off-road equipment, which last operated in areas known by Forest Service to be 

infested with specific noxious weeds of concern, is free of soil, seeds, vegetative matter, or other 

debris that could contain or hold seeds. Purchaser shall certify in writing that off-road equipment 

is free of noxious weeds prior to each start-up of timber sale operations and for subsequent moves 

of equipment to Sale Area. The certification shall indicate the measures taken to ensure that offroad equipment is free of noxious weeds will be identified. “Off-road equipment” includes all 

logging and construction machinery, except for log trucks, chip vans, service vehicles, water 

trucks, pickup trucks, cars, and similar vehicles. A current list of noxious weeds of concern to 

Forest Service is available at the Forest Supervisor’s Office.

Purchaser must clean off-road equipment prior to moving between cutting units on this timber sale 

that are known to be infested with noxious weeds and other units, if any, that are free of such 

weeds. Sale Area Map shows areas, known by Forest Service prior to timber sale advertisement, 

that are infested with specific noxious weed species of concern.

Purchaser shall employ whatever cleaning methods are necessary to ensure that off-road

equipment is free of noxious weeds. Equipment shall be considered free of soil, seeds, and other 

such debris when a visual inspection does not disclose such material. Disassembly of equipment 

components or specialized inspection tools is not required.

Purchaser shall notify Forest Service at least 5 days prior to moving each piece of off-road

equipment on to the Sale Area, unless otherwise agreed. Notification will include identifying the 

location of the equipment's most recent operations. If the prior location of the off-road equipment 

cannot be identified, Forest Service may assume that it was infested with noxious weed seeds.

Upon request of Forest Service, Purchaser must arrange for Forest Service to inspect each piece of 

off-road equipment prior to it being placed in service.

If Purchaser desires to clean off-road equipment on National Forest land, such as at the end of a 

project or prior to moving to a new unit that is free of noxious weeds, Purchaser and Forest 

Service shall agree on methods of cleaning, locations for the cleaning, and control of off-site

impacts, if any.

New infestations of noxious weeds, of concern to Forest Service and identified by either Purchaser 

or Forest Service on the Sale Area, shall be promptly reported to the other party. Purchaser and 

Forest Service shall agree on treatment methods to reduce or stop the spread of noxious weeds 

when new infestations are found. In the event of contract modification under this Subsection, 

Purchaser shall be reimbursed for any additional protection required, provided that any work or 
Version 1.0, Dated July 5, 2001

21

extra protection required shall be subject to prior approval by Forest Service. Amount of 

reimbursement shall be determined by Forest Service and shall be in the form of a reduction in 

stumpage rates, unless agreed otherwise in writing. However, in no event may stumpage rates be 

reduced below Base Rates.

INSTRUCTIONS: Include in all new contracts.

The Forest Service must identify on the sale area map units that are infested with specific noxious 

weeds species of concern.

The prospectus for the sale must notify prospective purchasers that maps of these known locations 

are available from the local Forest Supervisor’s Office or District Ranger Station. A list of 

noxious weeds of concern to the Forest Service (normally included in the Noxious Weed Program 

Guide) must be available for the purchaser's inspection. The current National Forest Noxious 

Weed Program Guide, noxious weed atlas, or other data sources, as needed, will be used to 

determine locations of known infestation.

Significant changes in the status of noxious weed infestations on the sale may require contract 

modifications to deal with changed conditions. An example might be where new noxious weed 

infestations are discovered after contract award, which require costly additional methods to 

prevent the spread of such infestations.

WO-CT6.36

CT6.36 – EQUIPMENT CLEANING. (5/01) Unless the entire Sale Area is already infested with 

specific noxious weed species of concern, Purchaser shall ensure that prior to moving on to the 

Sale Area all off-road equipment, which last operated in areas known by Forest Service to be 

infested with specific noxious weeds of concern, is free of soil, seeds, vegetative matter, or other 

debris that could contain or hold seeds. Purchaser shall certify in writing that off-road equipment 

is free of noxious weeds prior to each start-up of timber sale operations and for subsequent moves 

of equipment to Sale Area. The certification shall indicate the measures taken to ensure that offroad equipment is free of noxious weeds will be identified. “Off-road equipment” includes all 

logging and construction machinery, except for log trucks, chip vans, service vehicles, water 

trucks, pickup trucks, cars, and similar vehicles. A current list of noxious weeds of concern to 

Forest Service is available at the Forest Supervisor’s Office.

Purchaser must clean off-road equipment prior to moving between cutting units on this timber sale 

that are known to be infested with noxious weeds and other units, if any, that are free of such 

weeds. Sale Area Map shows areas, known by Forest Service prior to timber sale advertisement, 

that are infested with specific noxious weed species of concern.

Purchaser shall employ whatever cleaning methods are necessary to ensure that off-road

equipment is free of noxious weeds. Equipment shall be considered free of soil, seeds, and other 

such debris when a visual inspection does not disclose such material. Disassembly of equipment 

components or specialized inspection tools is not required.
Version 1.0, Dated July 5, 2001

22

Purchaser shall notify Forest Service at least 5 days prior to moving each piece of off-road

equipment on to the Sale Area, unless otherwise agreed. Notification will include identifying the 

location of the equipment's most recent operations. If the prior location of the off-road equipment 

cannot be identified, Forest Service may assume that it was infested with noxious weed seeds.

Upon request of Forest Service, Purchaser must arrange for Forest Service to inspect each piece of 

off-road equipment prior to it being placed in service.

If Purchaser desires to clean off-road equipment on National Forest land, such as at the end of a 

project or prior to moving to a new unit that is free of noxious weeds, Purchaser and Forest 

Service shall agree on methods of cleaning, locations for the cleaning, and control of off-site

impacts, if any.

New infestations of noxious weeds, of concern to Forest Service and identified by either Purchaser 

or Forest Service on the Sale Area, shall be promptly reported to the other party. Purchaser and 

Forest Service shall agree on treatment methods to reduce or stop the spread of noxious weeds 

when new infestations are found. In the event of contract modification under this Subsection, 

Purchaser shall be reimbursed for any additional protection required, provided that any work or 

extra protection required shall be subject to prior approval by Forest Service. Amount of 

reimbursement shall be determined by Forest Service and shall be in the form of a reduction in 

stumpage rates, unless agreed otherwise in writing. However, in no event may stumpage rates be 

reduced below Base Rates.

INSTRUCTIONS: Include in all new contracts.

The Forest Service must identify on the sale area map units that are infested with specific noxious 

weeds species of concern.

The prospectus for the sale must notify prospective purchasers that maps of these known locations 

are available from the local Forest Supervisor’s Office or District Ranger Station. A list of 

noxious weeds of concern to the Forest Service (normally included in the Noxious Weed Program 

Guide) must be available for the purchaser's inspection. The current National Forest Noxious 

Weed Program Guide, noxious weed atlas, or other data sources, as needed, will be used to 

determine locations of known infestation.

Significant changes in the status of noxious weed infestations on the sale may require contract 

modifications to deal with changed conditions. An example might be where new noxious weed 

infestations are discovered after contract award, which require costly additional methods to 

prevent the spread of such infestations.
Version 1.0, Dated July 5, 2001

23

APPENDIX 2

SAMPLE SPECIAL USE SUPPLEMENTAL CLAUSE

USDA-FOREST SERVICE

NORTHERN REGION

Include a weed prevention and control provision, such as the following supplemental clause 

example, in all new special-use authorizations such as, permits, easements, and leases, or when 

those authorizations are amended, when there are ground-disturbing activities.

The following is a weed prevention and control supplemental clause approved for use in Region 1. 

(Reminder: Supplemental clauses used in a special use authorization must be reviewed and 

approved by the Regional Forester, after review by the local Office of the General Counsel.) 

R1 SUPPLEMENT 2709.11-2000-1 2709.11, 50

EFFECTIVE 02/08/2000 Page 31 of 41

R1-D4 - Noxious Weed/Exotic Plant Prevention and Control. Use this clause 

in all authorizations involving ground disturbance which could result in the

introduction or spread of noxious weeds and/or exotic plants. This clause may 

also be used where cooperative agreements for noxious weed control are in place 

with state and local governments.

The holder shall be responsible for the prevention and control of noxious 

weeds and/or exotic plants of concern on the area authorized by this 

authorization and shall provide prevention and control measures 

prescribed by the Forest Service. Noxious weeds and exotic plants of 

concern are defined as those species recognized by (insert county weed 

authority and/or national forest) in which the authorized use is located.

The holder shall also be responsible for prevention and control of noxious 

weed and exotic plant infestations which are not within the authorized 

area, but which are determined by the Forest Service to have originated 

within the authorized area. 

When determined to be necessary by the authorized officer, the holder 

shall develop a site-specific plan for noxious weed and exotic plant 

prevention and control. Such plan shall be subject to Forest Service 

approval. Upon Forest Service approval, the noxious weed and exotic 

plant prevention and control plan shall become a part of this authorization, 

and its provisions shall be enforceable under the terms of this 

authorization.

With respect to the second paragraph of the above provision, the intent is to apply this 
Version 1.0, Dated July 5, 2001

24

provision only for a well defined confined area such as a narrow linear right-of-way

where it can be determined without a doubt that the noxious weeds resulted from the 

activities of the holder.
Version 1.0, Dated July 5, 2001

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APPENDIX 3

Example of a Closure Order

Closure Order

SPECIAL ORDER

OCCUPANCY AND USE

ON NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LANDS

IN THE STATE OF MONTANA

Pursuant to the Regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture, Title 36 CFS 261.50 (a) and (b), the 

following acts are prohibited within all National Forest System lands within the State of Montana.

These restrictions are in addition to those enumerated in Subpart A, part 261, Title 36 of the Code 

of Federal Regulations and will remain in effect from October 6, 1997, until rescinded or revoked.

1. The possession or storage of hay, grain, straw, cubes, palletized feed or mulch that is 

not certified as being noxious weed free or noxious weed seed free by an authorized 

State Department of Agriculture official or designated county official; each individual 

bale or container must be tagged or marked as weed free and reference the written 

certification (36 CFR 261.58 (t) ).

Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50 (e), the following are exempt from this Order:

A. Persons with a permit specifically authorizing the action or omission.

B. Transporting feeds, straw, or hay on Federal, State, and county roads that are 

not Forest Development Roads or Trails.

The above restrictions are necessary to prevent the spread of noxious weeds on National Forest 

Systems lands (16 USC 551). Upon issuance of this order, all previous orders requiring the use of 

certified noxious weed free or noxious weed seed free forage on NFS lands in Montana shall be 

superceded.

Violation is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and/or up to six months imprisonment (16 U.S.C. 

551 and 18 U.S.C. 3571 (b) (6).

/S/ Kathleen A. McAllister 10-8-97

_______________________________ ______________

HAL SALWASSER Date

Regional Forester

Northern Region