Management
The weed management program is responsible for weed control on:
- 25,000 acres of land designated as natural areas
- 7,000 acres of agricultural leased land that serves as wildlife habitat
- 685 miles of county maintained road right-of-way
The Boulder County Noxious Weed Management Plan requires eradication of all List A species, as mandated by the state, and containment and suppression measures for 13 of the List B species identified as significantly troublesome in Boulder County. Of the 18 List A species, 10 are currently known to exist in Colorado, and nine of those are known to exist in Boulder County.
Staff utilizes an integrated pest management approach to controlling weeds that include mowing, hand pulling, insect bio-control, cultural control (tilling weeds and planting desirable vegetation), and herbicide application. Herbicides are only used in targeted areas.
When controlling noxious weeds on open space properties, staff are careful to use the least damaging and most effective weed control strategies available. Staff always consider the local ecology to maintain and support the rich ecosystems of open space lands.