Weeds cause abandonment of wildland recreation sites and trails. Hunters and bird dogs are reluctant to use land infested with thistles and weeds diminish the enjoyment of recreationists along trails and near campgrounds. For example, float boaters encountering the spines of thistles and the stickery knapweeds, frequently have a difficult time finding a suitable campsite to place their tents and sleeping bags. Similarly, fishing along stream banks is often impossible because of the pain inflicted by thistles. We will not be able to respond effectively to noxious weed infestations unless all the people who have a stake in protecting these lands work together.
Local people know how to prevent and control weeds.
However, cooperation is the key , and that is why cooperative weed management areas are so urgently needed in most areas. Efforts to combat invasive weeds must bring together a complex set of interests that includes private landowners, industry, and government agencies at all levels. Fortunately, we have numerous examples of cooperative efforts to control invasive plants at the local or regional level. The BLM is actively involved in several partnership efforts toward our common goal of preventing or controlling the spread of noxious weeds. Subsequent hand pulling has almost eradicated the infestation.