Prevent noxious weed infestations
Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 13 years, 6 months AGO
The Memorial Day weekend traditionally marks the start of Idaho's recreational season. But state noxious weed officials say it is also the start of the state's greatest period of threat from the spread of noxious weeds.
That means Idahoans headed out to recreate need to exercise special care in helping to prevent new noxious weed infestations from gaining footholds in the state's great outdoors.
"Idahoans will be boating, hiking, camping and participating in other recreational outdoor activities, all of which can unknowingly spread noxious weeds.
The best way to control these invasive weeds from spreading is to stop them from hitching rides on boats, trailers, RVs, bikes, camping equipment, pets, ATV's, even your clothing," said Roger Batt, the Idaho Weed Awareness Campaign's coordinator.
Invasive weeds pose a serious threat to Idaho's economy, ecology and agriculture, causing an estimated $300 million annually in damages. The state and private landowners annually spend upward of $30 million to combat noxious weeds but still lose control of hundreds of acres of land every day to the 64 varieties of noxious weeds known to have infested the state.
Batt said there are several tips recreationalists can follow to help control noxious weeds.
Learn to identify plants common to your favorite recreation areas, so you can recognize potential invaders and report them to private weed applicators, land and wildlife managers, or your County Weed Superintendent located under County Government in the phonebook.
Avoid traveling through weed-infested areas with ATV's and other off-road vehicles. Driving through infested areas can pick up and distribute weeds and weed seed.
Only set up camp in weed-free areas.
Don't pick or transport "pretty wildflowers" you can't identify — not only is it illegal, but these pretty plants may be noxious weeds whose seeds you are inadvertently spreading to new locations.
Check boats, trailers and watercraft carefully after they are pulled from the water for signs of aquatic weeds such as Eurasian watermilfoil or Hydrilla.