This State law has been interpreted to include Federal landholders. Consequently, the Service has been actively attempting control of noxious weeds for over two decades. Most efforts have centered on Canada and musk thistle. Results have been mixed. Little or no effort has been placed on evaluating application techniques, habitat conditions, or the effectiveness of the treatment.
Research is needed in order to identify specific conditions that affect control efforts.
The result of such research will be to reduce total chemical output to the environment, identify conditions best suited for release of biological control agents, and assist the refuge with a more cost effective approach to weed control. Some efforts are more successful than others. However, little is known about the causative conditions or reasons for success or failure. By identifying habitat, environmental and other conditions that are required for successful control, the Complex can more productively address weed control issues. The South Dakota Dept. of Agriculture, and the Charles Mix County Weed Board are active partners in weed control issues, and have pledged their partnership in any evaluation efforts.