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Submodule 1: What are invasive weeds?

How Private Citizens can be Instrumental in Curtailing the Spread

There are many opportunities for the public to get involved in the fight against western rangeland weeds. As people become aware of the devastation to natural habitats caused by invasive plants, they come to realize that this is a serious problem deserving of their attention. In addition, there is increased awareness of the enormous cost incurred by plant infestations, especially regarding management of invasive plants and the decline of property values.

 

Let’s look at some examples of things you can do on your own to help manage invasive plants:

• Learn about the problem by doing things such as completing this learning module!
• Plant only native or non-invasive plants on your property, and remove any invasive plants that you find.
• Work with your neighbors to encourage all to remove any invasive plans from their property.
• If you drive in infested areas, remove all plant parts from your vehicle before you leave the area…. this also applies to aquatic plants that attach to boat trailers!
• Remember that livestock are great transporters of invasive plant parts. Keep this in mind when introducing new livestock to your property or moving your livestock from one area to another.
• Try to make sure that irrigation systems are not transporting seeds and other invasive plant parts through ditches and pipes.
• Remember, wildflowers can be beautiful, but several are actually non-indigenous invasive weeds.

There are also several organized groups that are involved in invasive plant management and are always looking for volunteers to help. Below are a few examples:

• Bureau of Land Management (BLM) – there are many local groups participating in BLM-sponsored weed management activities.
• The Nature Conservancy – The “Weed Watchers” monitors conservancy preserves and follows weed infestations.
• Local Cooperative Weed Management Areas (CWMA) – made up of citizens and government officials involved in weed management
• Boy and Girl Scouts – many troops are active in weed control in their local areas.
• Collaborative Volunteer Invasives Monitoring Program – made up of volunteers in cooperation with US Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Wildlife Refuge Association, The Nature Conservancy, and the National Institute of Invasive Species Science (NIISS) of the US Geological Survey
• National Park Service – there are several groups throughout the U.S. park system for monitoring weeds.

This is a very short list of the numerous activities currently going on around the country to help manage plant infestations. If you are interested in participating in weed management, contact one of the organizations above, or call you local Cooperative Extension office and ask how you can get involved.

 

 

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