what can you do

Noxious/invasive weeds and their continued expansion are recognized as one of the greatest threats to the integrity of native plant communities. Millions of acres of once healthy, productive rangelands, forestlands, and riparian areas have been overrun by noxious or invasive weeds throughout the western United States and portions of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation in north-central Washington are no exception. The expansion of invasive plant species across native lands continues to be a primary cause of ecosystem degradation and the control of these species is one of the greatest challenges in land management.

Invasive species impacts slideshow

Below is a slide show of images taken on Colville Reservation lands illustrating the negative impacts these plants can have to the Colville Reservation.

Dalmatian toadflax

Dalmatian toadflax will form dense monocultures crowding out beneficial vegetation.

Sulphur cinquefoil

Sulphur cinquefoil is a serious threat to the Colville Reservation, it has no natural enemies and is spreading at a rapid rate.

Sulphur cinquefoil

An infestation of sulphur cinquefoil near Owhi Lake.

Hoary alyssum

Hoary alyssum (white flowers) pictured growing in the middle of the road. This is an excellent way for weeds to spread. Once the plant has gone to seed, it will attach itself to the undercarriages of vehicles, spreading it further along roadways. Once established along the road, plants will have the opportunity to spread into natural areas.

Diffuse knapweed

Common St. Johnswort

A meadow is infested with Common St. Johnswort.

Rush skeletonweed

This invasive plant spreads quickly by seeds and rhizomes (underground roots).

Russian knapweed

Russian knapweed creates monocultures by releases toxins into the soil, prohibiting other plants from growing. It is also unpalatable/toxic to livestock.

White top

This photograph of white top illustrates how weeds can spread from roadsides into other areas. This plant has no biological control available.

How do Weeds Spread?

Invasive species spread by a variety of ways including by; animals, humans, equipment, vehicles, wind, water, movement of soil, ornamental plantings etc.

Animals

Animals and livestock transport seeds when the seeds become lodged in their hair or hooves.

Longspine Sandbur

Pictured here is someones show who was walking through longspine sandbur. Each seed has a tiny hooks that readily attach to clothes.

Houndstongue

When you look under the microscope at Houndstoungue seeds, they look very similar to that of velcro. These seeds spread very well by attaching to people and animals.

Wind

Many invasive species will break off at the base of the plant once it is dry and seeds will be carried by the wind.

What Can you do?

clean your vehicle; atvs, boats, trailers
avoid driving through weed patches, especially if they have already gone to seed
clean clothes off after walking through weeds
buy weed free seed and straw

Develop an Integrated Weed Management Plan tailored to your property

Things to consider when developing a weed management plan for your property:
- What are your short-term and long-term goals with the property
- Survey the property and determine what weeds are present
- What method(s) of weed control would be most effective for the property
- Monitor your progress and adjust your strategies over time
Land Operations staff is available to provide site specific weed management plans for your property, weed identification and assistance in weed control. Please call 509-634-2338 to see how our program could be of assistance to you.

Range crew digging & bagging Scotch thistle plants before they produce seed.