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SAN JUAN COUNTY NOXIOUS WEED BOARD |
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Four plants proposed for state noxious weed list; hearing set in Ellensburg for Nov. 16posted 11/14/05
Noxious weeds are non-native, invasive plants that are highly destructive, competitive or difficult to control and, once established, threaten Washington's natural resources and economy. The board annually reviews the noxious weed list, which currently totals 127 plants. It is the basis for weed regulation in Washington. County noxious weed control boards and weed districts carry out state noxious weed law at the local level. Reed sweetgrass, a large wetland grass with the botanical name of Glyceria maxima, is proposed for listing as a Class A noxious weed. It has been found in a serious infestation in two Snohomish County ponds. A Class A listing would require eradication wherever the plant is found in the state. Washington State Department of Agriculture plant quarantine rules already prohibit the sale of this plant. Another aquatic plant, floating primrose-willow, is also proposed as a new Class A noxious weed. Scientifically known as Ludwigia peploides, the plant is an aggressive invader that can dominate the shoreline of a water body, forming extensive mats that impair water flow and access. The one known infestation in King County covered 3,100 square feet, excluding native plants in an otherwise high quality wetland. It closely resembles Ludwigia hexapetala, which is already on the noxious weed list. Yellow archangel, a plant which has been a problem in King, Kitsap and San Juan counties, is proposed as an addition to the Class C noxious weed list. Class C weeds are already widespread in the state and decisions to suppress or control these plants are made at the county level. The scientific name of the plant is Lamiastrum galeobdolon, although it is frequently labeled as Lamium galeobdolon. Commonly used in hanging baskets and landscaping, it is sometimes improperly disposed of when yard waste is dumped on roadsides. It is reportedly demonstrating an ability to out-compete native vegetation in shaded forest areas. Common fennel, Foeniculum vulgare, which has become a serious invasive weed in portions of California, is also proposed as an addition to the Class C noxious weed list in Washington. A proposal to change the Class B noxious weed list would expand the geographic areas where property owners are required to control and prevent the spread of kochia, Kochia scoparia. Under the proposal, control would be required in all of Western Washington, plus Kittitas and Pend Oreille counties. In addition, four counties would be added to the area where property owners must control gorse, Ulex europaeus. If adopted, the proposal would expand the control area for this weed, which is highly flammable and increases fire danger where it is established, to include Clark, Skamania, Island and Kitsap counties. Plants in the Class B list include weeds that already occur in some parts of the state. The two goals of this group are to prevent establishment of weeds into new areas and the decision to control or contain these weeds where they are already abundant is made at the local level. The text of changes proposed for next year's noxious weed list is available through the State Weed Board office. Also under development are technical "written findings" concerning the proposed new weed listings. Those documents can be obtained from Shari Kincy, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504; (360) 902-1901 or through e-mail at skincy@agr.wa.gov. For more information on noxious weed control, visit the Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board's Web site at www.nwcb.wa.gov. |
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