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.