| Please Note: Assistance is available for Scotch Broom and Knotweed Control on native or naturalized pastures, working oak prairies woodlands, and some Forest Lands through EQIP! Click here for more information |
Mission
Our mission is to protect the citizens, the natural resources, and the agricultural resources of the County from the degrading impact of invasive, noxious weeds.
Background
Noxious weeds threaten public health, the environment, wildlife habitat, native plants, agriculture areas, and recreational areas.
Thurston County Noxious Weed Control is monitoring for 40 species of noxious weeds which are targeted for control out of a list of 86 designated by the State of Washington. The remaining 46 species have not yet been found in Thurston County, but are targeted annually through early detection surveys. All species of noxious weeds are non-native.
A risk assessment is used in prioritizing the weed list. To view our rationale, go to the Risk Assessment Chart. To see photographs of those species designated for control in Thurston County, go to the Noxious Weed List.
Agency staff are surveying for the remaining 46 species not yet known to exist in Thurston County. This preventative effort to find species while they are limited, prevents them from becoming widespread. Prevention is the most effective control strategy.
Nuisance Weeds
In addition to the species listed on the County noxious weed list, there are weeds of special concern because of their aggressive and invasive natures. These include:
Evergreen blackberry (Rubus laciniatus), Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus), Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), Policeman’s Helmet (Impatiens glandulifera), Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius), yellow flag iris (iris pseudacorus), yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus), and the invasive cultivars of English Ivy: Hibernica” (Hedera hibernica), “Baltica” (Hedera helix), “Pittsburg” (Hedera helix) and “Star” (Hedera helix).
Thurston County Noxious Weeds Map
Click the image above to go to the Noxious Weeds Map on the Thurston County Geodata web site. Use this map to see which known noxious weed species are in your neighborhood. Here's how:
Contact Us
Address questions or comments to: tcweeds@co.thurston.wa.us
