Noxious Weeds

The Problem

The problem of noxious, non-native weeds proliferating in Central Oregon is severe.  Noxious weeds overrun native vegetation, destroy natural animal habitat, shelter undesirable insects, steal scarce water, infest crops and cost local communities in terms of visual blight, a reduction of property values and lost agricultural dollars.  Some noxious weeds are poisonous to humans, livestock and wildlife.  Seeds from noxious weeds are spread by foot and vehicular traffic along our roadways and through our public lands.  Many property owners unknowingly have these non-native, noxious weeds growing in their yards and fields, which aggravates the situation.  View the Noxious Weed Brochure (pdf format).

The Solution

The county has an active noxious weed eradication program.  Herbicides are used to kill roadside vegetation along County roads.

If you would prefer that herbicides not be sprayed along your property road frontage you can download a No Spray Agreement Form or apply online using our Herbicide No Spray Application.  Weed control in a "No Spray" area is the responsibility of the abutting land owner or resident.

You can play a key roll in eradicating noxious weeds.  The Roadside Weed Program assists citizens with removing weeds along county roads.  View the Roadside Weed Program for more information.

Deschutes County offers financial assistance to private land owners who wish to control noxious weeds on their property.  View the Noxious Weed Financial Assistance Program Agreement for details.  For more information call Dan Sherwin, Vegetation Manager, at 322-7135.

The Lets Pull Together event is a tri county noxious weed eradication event consisting of collaborative partnerships with neighborhood & homeowners associations, city and county government and boards, park, school and irrigation districts, utilities, private and public entities, businesses and our incredible volunteers all join together for good times and clean country (city) living.

A list of noxious weeds common to Deschutes County is available at Noxious Weed List.  The list contains pictures and descriptions to aid in identifying the weeds.

The Law

Oregon weed law gives governing agencies the authority for enforcement and compliance.  County programs are the primary level of enforcement for noxious weed law ORS 570.500-600.

Weed District

The mission of the Deschutes County Weed District is:

"Work cooperatively to promote and implement noxious weed control in Deschutes County; to contain existing weed populations and eradicate new invaders; to raise the value of the land economically and biologically; to improve the health of the community, promote stewardship, preserve natural resources and provide examples and leadership for other counties and states in effective vegetation management."

You can contact the board members at the following numbers: