Routt County boasts some of the most pristine environments in the nation, attracting many and encouraging even more to lay their roots here. This unique environment provides a way of life, recreation and livelihood for many.

Preserving this pristine environment should be a priority for all who call the Yampa Valley home. Noxious weeds pose a significant threat in Routt County and can affect numerous facets of the environment. Noxious weeds are not just a concern for large-scale landowners but should be considered by everyone who wants to preserve the majestic area we live in.

Noxious weeds can be introduced in various ways — from contaminated seed and hay to escaped garden ornamentals. Regardless of how they arrive, they can quickly become established and have deeply negative impacts. The Routt County Weed Program takes noxious weed management very seriously, not only because we want to preserve the natural beauty and way of life found here but also because we have seen the devastating effects of noxious weeds in other parts of the state.

One of the key goals for land management is the early detection of noxious weeds and a rapid response. Plants such as whitetop are often highlighted due to their severe impact and local distribution, but there are many other invasive species to be aware of.

Many noxious weeds are still emerging after recent moisture, providing an opportunity to observe, identify and act. Typically, spring to mid-summer are the optimal times to manage most weeds in Routt County. However, weather conditions vary from year to year and must be accounted for. This fall’s conditions should be leveraged to stay ahead for next summer.

Many biennials are still growing and can be managed through mechanical control, such as digging and pulling the tap root. Biennials observed to be actively growing include common mullein, houndstongue, musk thistle and bull thistle. All of these species can quickly outcompete desirable native species and planted crops. Furthermore, they can disrupt ecological balances, contribute to crop competition and management difficulties, increase management costs, decrease property values, alter soil and water characteristics, promote allergies and reduce native forage.

Mechanical control of biennials in the first year of growth can be extremely effective and save land managers time and money in the long run. By targeting the first-year rosettes, you can prevent soil nutrients and water from being absorbed by larger second-year plants, giving desirable plants a better chance to establish next year.

Additionally, you eliminate the plant before it produces any seeds, which is a significant factor in noxious weed management. Land managers should clip and bag existing seed heads if present and attempt to remove at least four inches of the tap root when digging up biennial rosettes.

For more information, visit Routt.co.us/216/Weed-Program or contact the weed program at weeds@co.routt.co.us

Jonathan Murray is the Routt County weed program education and enforcement technician.