Join us at the Bitterroot Public Library and learn about the types of weeds in the area, why you should be able to identify them, and what the County Weed District is doing to prevent the spread of harmful weeds in our area.
Noxious weeds are non-native plants that have been introduced to Ravalli County through human actions both purposely and accidentally. Due to their aggressive growth and lack of natural enemies, these species can be highly destructive, competitive, and difficult to control.
Noxious weeds reduce crop yields, edge out native plant communities that wildlife and fish depend on and degrade wildlife habitat. The damages from noxious weeds can cost landowners, ranchers and farmers millions of dollars in loss of production and control efforts. These costs can be transferred to consumers through higher food costs. Noxious weeds also damage recreational sites, clog waterways, lower land values, and can poison livestock.
An invasive species can become a noxious weed when it has shown to have serious effects on natural resources, ecosystem health and our economy.