Canada thistle was the first weed listed for control in the County due threat to agriculture and its invasiveness. At the state level noxious weeds have a long history, dating back prior to statehood. This legislation made it the duty of the landowner to control certain weeds on property they owned or managed. Federally owned lands are subject to the Federal Noxious Weed Act. Since many people are unfamiliar with noxious weeds and the weed law, the State and County Weed Boards are available to provide information on identification and control options.
Landowners can choose the control method they feel is most appropriate for their property.
The local noxious weed control boards and weed districts carry out the state's noxious weed law at the local level. Each county board is composed of five directors who volunteer their time and effort to oversee the county noxious weed program. The 11 weed districts were formed from the 1930's through the 1960's, with three volunteer directors per district. Each local board and district has the authority to hire staff to regulate the control of noxious weeds in its jurisdiction. Funding of these local programs is either through a weed assessment on land or an appropriation from the county general fund.