Land infested with noxious weeds often have restricted uses. For example, pasture infested with yellow starthistle can not be used for horses. If you own land infested by noxious weeds, you are responsible for controlling the weeds on your property. This loss in productivity affects the cost of food you purchase in the grocery store. This cost is often passed on to you, the taxpayer.
Noxious weeds are also responsible for depredating Idaho s wildlands.
Lands infested with noxious weeds have higher erosion potentials, lower habitat values for native animal species, crowd out native plant species, and impact recreational opportunities by infesting campsites. There are many challenges to managing noxious weeds. Noxious weeds are by definition difficult to control. They are often resistant to mechanical and cultural practices and existing herbicides. But there are several other barriers to effective weed control.