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Spread the word, not the weeds |
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October 10, 2016 |
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By David Wenk
Boundary County Weed Superintendent
As hunters head out into our forest this fall,
remember that you can help or hurt with the
spread of noxious weeds. Unknowingly, many
people will spread noxious weeds with their
ATVs, trucks, horses, dogs, boots, etc.
Idaho has identified 67 weeds that are noxious.
These weeds are not native and have no natural
controls to keep their populations in check.
Noxious weeds can choke out native vegetation
that our big game relies on for food. When
noxious weeds take over areas they can lead to
poor nutrition for our animals and cause them to
migrate to other areas.
ATVs can carry weeds from one area to another as
well as trailers and trucks used to transport
them. It’s important that hunters wash their
machines after each ride to help reduce the
spread of weed seeds. By staying on trails and
not venturing off-trail into weedy areas hunters
can reduce the spread of noxious weeds.
Seeds can stick in mud, tires, fenders, etc. By
washing vehicles we can stop the spread of weeds
into other areas.
Dogs used in hunting can spread weed seeds. It’s
important to clean you’re a dogs fur and feet
after each hunt. Horses used in back country can
carry weed seeds in their hooves and hide.
Muddy boots and waders can transport weed seeds
from one area to another.
We can all do our part in stopping the spread of
weeds. For more information please contact
Boundary County Weed Control at (208) 267-5341.
Remember; spread the word, not the weeds. |
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