The term "Noxious Weed" is a designation given to a plant that is non-native to North America and has aggressive, invasive tendencies. They threaten our drinking water supply, agricultural crops, ecosystems, and native habitats. Often these weeds are kept in check by natural controls (e.g. insects, climate, etc.) in their native territory. However, lacking such controls in our area, these plants are able to spread aggressively, allowing them to crowd out native plants, dominate local plant communities, and destroy local ecosystems.
There are over 34 species of noxious weeds in Pitkin County, and they receive their designation from the Colorado Noxious Weed Act.
Bag of Weed Program
Through September Sign up at the Snowmass Village Recreation Center 2835 Brush Creek Road Bags and noxious weed guide books provided.
The Bag of Weed program asks community members to pull weeds on their own time, whenever, and wherever they are. The person who collects the most bags of weeds WINS A MEMBERSHIP TO THE RECREATION CENTER.
GET INVOLVED:
What can you do to Help?
The Town works hard with landowners and Pitkin County to prevent noxious weeds from spreading, but we can't do it alone. Everyone should take part in healthy land management, and the Town believes in assisting landowners to achieve this. The most effective way for you to help is to treat your own property, and there are numerous resources to help you get started.
Controlling Weeds on Your Own Property:
Pitkin County offers a variety of services to help you comply with the Colorado Noxious Weed Act and keep your land healthy, native, and beautiful. All services are free, including a backpack sprayer loan program, a cost sharing program, and educational materials.
Land Management Staff are also happy to visit your property and help you identify plants in person. Contact the office at 920-5214.
Reporting Noxious Weeds on Neighboring Properties:
When it comes to weed control, It is important that we all be Good Neighbors because weeds know no property boundaries and easily spread. However, many people are still unaware of their weed management responsibilities. Thus, the first step is to make sure your neighbor knows about the infestation his/her responsibility to comply with the Colorado Noxious Weed Act. We have found that most people will voluntarily take appropriate action to control the spread of invasive plants on their property once they become aware of the problem. Once these voluntary methods are exhausted, Pitkin County may be contacted for enforcement. For more information, visit Pitkin County's Noxious Weed Enforcement Page.
