By state law, each county is required to control the spread of noxious weeds; invasive and/or dangerous plants which threaten animal, humans, and native plant communities. In the six years since the Noxious Weed control Board has been functioning under this mandate, the two hard-working staff members have provided many services to our citizenry. These have included free land surveys to identify noxious weeds, advice based on research to show best how to eliminate those weeds non-toxically, public educational events to help indicate which plants are “good” and which one should NOT be put in our gardens. They themselves have done a tremendous amount of cutting, chopping, and pulling harmful plants.

But even as the demands on their time and resources have grown by at least 15 percent during this time, the coordinators have had to reduce their work load for lack of funding, according to Amanda Azous, chair of the Noxious Weed Control Board. Greater demand plus cost of living increases are the causes. To continue this vital function, Azous recommends a small increase in the county’s Noxious Weed property assessment fee. With more funds the staff will be able to put more effort into public outreach and education. By enlisting the informed help of landowners and volunteers, these efforts have proven to be among the best ways to control and in some cases, eliminate the spread of noxious weeds.

I have worked with the staff and have seen the fine progress they have made in trying to control the spread of noxious weeds (have you noticed the mulch patches along some sections of Orcas Highway? It’s a control for tansy ragwort, highly toxic to livestock). I highly recommend that the council approve the proposed increased funding for this board.

Anne Hay

Master Gardener

Eastsound