What are Noxious Weeds?
Noxious weeds are a huge problem throughout western Washington, including Mason County. They alter soil composition, outcompete native plants for resources, and often pose a health hazard to humans, pets, livestock, and/or wildlife. But many people are hesitant to remove invasive species from the landscape for various reasons, including their aesthetic appeal, berry production, and attraction to pollinators. Check out the graphic below for native plants that will provide many of the same benefits without the negative impact of these noxious weeds.
Knotweed Removal |
Rent a Scotch Broom Puller |
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The Mason Conservation District is implementing knotweed assessments in Mason County Watersheds. If you are interested in free knotweed removal on your property, please assist by completing this survey:
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Mason CD has two scotch broom pullers available for rent for residents of Mason County. There is no cost associated with renting these scotch broom pullers. To reserve the weed wrench please contact Jen at (360) 968-0030.
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Invasive Vegetation Identification & Treatment
The Mason Conservation District, in collaboration with the Mason County Noxious Weed Control Board and Hood Canal Coordinating Council, has received funding from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office for assessment, inventory, and subsequent treatment for invasive vegetation plaguing riparian areas of Hood Canal watersheds.
A number of noxious weeds have been identified which are degrading to local habitat. Among them are Scotch broom, reed canary grass, giant hogweed, Himalayan blackberry, and a particular focus of this project, the invasive knotweed species. You may have seen knotweed growing as single plants, as clumps along streams or rivers and on gravel bars, or in very large colonies up to 10 feet high with thousands of stems resembling bamboo. The broad-leaved knotweed can send out a root system hundreds of feet from the original plant. It displaces native habitat by invasion and its root and stem system can modify sedimentation processes and choke streams.
Once allowed to proliferate, it can migrate quickly depending on the watercourses. Treatment is usually done from the uppermost portion of the watershed where observed and then working downstream in order to limit re-infestation. Control and treatment of knotweed follows Best Management Practices (BMPs). Care should be taken if mechanical removal is undertaken as small pieces of stems or roots can develop into another thriving knotweed colony. Knotweed may also disperse by seed after flowering in late summer.
Property owners are encouraged to actively participate by reporting known sites. Additional information may be obtained by contacting Marissa Newby at Mason Conservation District, (360) 427-9436.
A number of noxious weeds have been identified which are degrading to local habitat. Among them are Scotch broom, reed canary grass, giant hogweed, Himalayan blackberry, and a particular focus of this project, the invasive knotweed species. You may have seen knotweed growing as single plants, as clumps along streams or rivers and on gravel bars, or in very large colonies up to 10 feet high with thousands of stems resembling bamboo. The broad-leaved knotweed can send out a root system hundreds of feet from the original plant. It displaces native habitat by invasion and its root and stem system can modify sedimentation processes and choke streams.
Once allowed to proliferate, it can migrate quickly depending on the watercourses. Treatment is usually done from the uppermost portion of the watershed where observed and then working downstream in order to limit re-infestation. Control and treatment of knotweed follows Best Management Practices (BMPs). Care should be taken if mechanical removal is undertaken as small pieces of stems or roots can develop into another thriving knotweed colony. Knotweed may also disperse by seed after flowering in late summer.
Property owners are encouraged to actively participate by reporting known sites. Additional information may be obtained by contacting Marissa Newby at Mason Conservation District, (360) 427-9436.
Helpful Resources
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Weed Search
Need help identifying a plant? Fill out this search form with what you do know, and find the matching result on the Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board's weed database. ArcGIS Noxious Weeds Mapping Curious where a particular noxious weed is found in Mason County, or what may be found growing in your area? Noxious weed control staff survey for infestations across the county and upload their findings to WSDA’s ArcGIS Noxious Weed Data Viewer. Washington's Noxious Weed Laws Weed laws establish all property owners’ responsibility for helping to prevent and control the spread of Noxious Weeds. Since plants grow without regard to property lines or political jurisdictions, everyone’s cooperation is needed – city gardeners, farmers, government land agencies, foresters, and ranchers all have a role to play. Disposing of Noxious Weeds Removing invasive weeds from the landscape is all of our responsibility, but it can be tough and potentially dangerous. This Noxious Weed Control Board page is a great resource for learning proper handling and disposal methods. Native Plant Alternatives to Commonly Found Invasive Species |
Noxious Weed Control
Weed laws establish all property owners’ responsibility for helping to prevent and control the spread of Noxious Weeds. Since plants grow without regard to property lines or political jurisdictions, everyone’s cooperation is needed – city gardeners, farmers, government land agencies, foresters, and ranchers all have a role to play.
(Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board) |
Contact UsMason County Noxious Weed Control Office
Physical & Mailing Address: 303 N. Fourth Street Shelton, WA 98502 General Email: [email protected] Program Coordinator – Heidi Steinbach Email: [email protected] Phone: 360-427-9679 Ext. 592 |