Rio Grande County Weed District
Summer hours (May to Sept)- 7:00 am to 5:00 pm Mon- Fri
Winter Hours (Oct- April) - 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Mon - Thursday
Closed on weekends and major holidays
Armando Ross
0164 W county Road 3 North
Monte Vista CO 81144
rgweed@riograndecounty.org
Cell: 719-580-0089
Phone: 719-852-4804
Perennial pepperweed AKA - Tall Whitetop -
can grow to a height of six foot tall and
reproduces via both seed and root. Each plant produces
over 1,000 seeds per plant but seeds have been reported to not have
the reproductive capabilities in comparison to the root. Most of the
plant’s root system grows within the first 2 foot of the soil but have
been known to penetrate to a depth of 10 foot or greater and expands
at a rate of 10 feet per year. Root segments produce adventitious
buds; pieces as small as 1/2 inch in length are capable of generating
new shoots. Perennial Pepperweed is also known to have
Allelopathic (secretes toxins in the soil) properties which prevent
propagation of desired plant life. Weed management. Mowing
stimulates new growth in both root and stem, also allows regrowth to
cut pieces producing additional plants.
Herbicides: Always use in accordance with label, these suggestions are for HANDGUN APPLICATION ONLY. Mix together:
Rangestar – (2-4D and Dicamba mix), 2 qt. / 50 gal
Plateau- (Imazapic), 12 oz./ 50 gal
Vapogaurd- (adjuvant) drift, vaporization, conditioning, 1qt./50gal
Loctite- (Sticker), 1 qt./ 50 gal
Do not shovel, disc, or pull as this stimulates root growth
Information
Land owner/ lessee Info
All noxious weeds on your porperty must be visually (mown or sprayed)
controlled BEFORE FLOWERING STAGE.
If you are a "Sensitive Person" to herbicides, you must register at: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/agplants/pesticide-
ALSO, you are still responsible for controling the noxious weeds on your property.
Organic produce Information
Resources for weed control
Law and county policy
Advisory Board
Russian knapweed develops on many soil types and is
highly drought tolerant. The allelopathic properties of the
plant allow it to absorb Zinc from the soil therefore
creating a toxic environment for native forbs, grasses and grazing
animals. Russian knapweed reproduces primarily through root system
but still produces over 500 seeds per plant with a seed longevity in the
soil for up to 2-3 years. Fragments of root of one inch or less can
reproduce into a new plant from depths of six inches or less. Root
growth per season can reach up to 10 foot allowing the plant to create
monotypic stands invading areas of natural plant life with ease.
Animals, especially horses, which graze Russian knapweed can
experience physical dysfunction, neurological disorder and eventual
death from consumption. Weed management, mowing – is effective
if mown every 20 days for the full growing season for several
seasons. Grazing- DO NOT GRAZE With HORSES, not effective
control. Herbicides: Always use in accordance with label, these
suggestions are for HANDGUN APPLICATION ONLY. Mix
together: Milestone(Aminopyralid), 10 oz./50 gal
Plateau- (Imazapic), 12 oz./ 50 gal
Rangestar – (2-4D and Dicamba mix), 2 qt. / gal 50
Vapogaurd- (adjuvant) drift, vaporization, conditioning, 1qt./50gal
Loctite- (Sticker), 1 qt./ 50 gal
Select a picture, and information about that noxious weed will appear
What we do
Rio Grande County Weed District is a special district that provides noxious weed control, education and resources as a service to our county constituants. According to the Colorado Noxious Weed Act (C.R.S 35-5.5 ) all counties should provide a noxious weed management plan and resources to provide control actions to control these noxious weeds. The Colorado Dept of Ag supplies a list of determined noxious weeds that must be controlled, these weeds are a threat to agriculture, livestock and humans. They are categorized as noxious because they are non native, toxic to humans and/ or livestock, and are invasive. The Rio Grande County Weed District provides inspections, noxious weed identification, mapping, spray services, and many other resources to guide our constiuants on the right path for weed control.
History
The Rio Grande County Weed/ pest District was formed by the request of local farmers who were concerned with the health and economics of the agricultural lands within the county due to the invasive noxious weeds. In 1963 the county was split in three noxious weed control districts. In 1970 the three districts merged into one weed and pest district for the service of all Rio Grande County. During the same year the State of Colorado issued the Noxious Weed Act which defined that, "Noxious weeds have become a threat to the natural resources of Colorado, as thousands of acres of crop, rangeland, and habitat for wildlife and native plant communities are being destroyed by noxious weeds each year." 35-5.5-102. Legislative declaration(1.5)(a) To this day Rio Grande County Weed District strives to control noxious weeds through intergative processes and partnering with other entities.
Weed District Minutes
Weed District Agendas
Canadian thistle, Cirsium arven- is a nonnative,
deep-rooted perennial that spreads by seeds and
aggressive, horizontal roots (rhizomes) that can grow 15 to 30+ foot
in depth. Canada thistle can produce about 1,000 to 5,000 seeds per
plant, and seeds can survive in the soil for 20 years or more.
Typically, it reproduces by root and grows about 6 foot in a season
through a creeping root system, quickly forming dense monotypic
stand. Every piece of root, from 2 cm in length, is capable of
forming new plants. Canadian thistle also hosts several agricultural
disease and pests such as sod-web worm, bean aphid, stalk borer,
cucumber mosaic virus. Weed management - Mowing is effective
if mown every 20 days for the full growing season for several
seasons. Grazing- In the spring and summer with fall application of
herbicide is very useful technique for eradication. Herbicides:
Always use in accordance with label, these suggestions for
HANDGUN APPLICATION ONLY. Mix together :
Milestone-(Aminopyralid), 10 oz./50 gal
Rangestar – (2-4D and Dicamba mix), 2 qt. / 50 gal
Vapogaurd- (adjuvant) drift, vaporization, conditioning, 1qt./50gal
Loctite- (Sticker), 1 qt./ 50 gal
Do not shovel, disc, or pull as this stimulates root growth
Announcements
* Final report of 2019 CDA NWF GRANT is DUE Oct 14th 2019 by the end of the
business day.
* Puncture Vine ( Goat heads) Is now on the list for control, please scroll below and find
requirements and control suggestions
Musk thistle – is a winter annual or biennial that can grow
up to 5 foot tall and form deep tap roots. Their foliage looks
similar to the Canadian thistle but larger with different blossoms.
With a blossom the average size of 3.5” this plant can produce
anywhere from 10,000- 20,000 seeds. Musk thistle only reproduces
through seed an only last a few years in the soil seed bank.
Weed management: because musk thistle are not root propagated
mechanical pulling, tilling, and shovel control are effective IF done
before flowering stage preferably during rosette stage and the root is
taken at about 4 inches below the ground level. Herbicides: Always
use in accordance with label, these suggestions are for HANDGUN
APPLICATION ONLY. Mix together:
Milestone-(Aminopyralid), 10 oz./50 gal
Plateau- (Imazapic), 12 oz./ 50 gal
Rangestar – (2-4D and Dicamba mix), 2 qt. / 50 gal
Vapogaurd- (adjuvant) drift, vapor, conditioning, 1qt./50gal
Loctite- (Sticker), 1 qt./ 50 gal
Hoary cress,( Short White Top), Cardaria draba- A non-native deep
rooted perennial that thrives in a wide range of soil types, they grow to two foot tall and are extremely invasive.
Hoary cress reproduces via both seed and root, with root being the
primary reproduction source. One plant can produce from 1,200 to
4,800 seeds per plant with a soil seed bank longevity of three or four
years. Within three weeks of germination the seed produces new
rosettes which emerge within 3 ½ weeks and root shoots that have
been documented to grow as fast as approximately 4 ft. in a season. A
single plant can produce 450 new shoots in a single growing season.
Weed management – Mowing in spring to keep from flowering and
continue throughout growing season controls seed dispersal, but also
stimulates roots. Grazing is effective to keep from flowering in spring,
but is not effective for long term eradication.
Herbicides, always use
in accordance with label, these suggestions are for HANDGUN
APPLICATION ONLY. Mix together:
Rangestar – (2-4D and Dicamba mix), 2 qt. / 50 gal
Plateau- (Imazapic), 12 oz./ 50 gal
Vapogaurd (adjuvant)drift, vapor, conditioning, 1qt./50gal
Loctite- (Sticker), 1 qt./ 50 gal
Do not shovel, disc, or pull as this stimulates root growth
Houndstongue - Is a highly invasive weed that can form dense monotypic stands. Foliage, especially young leaves, and fruits contain pyrrolizidine
alkaloids and are liver toxins in all livestock classes, especially
horses when ingested over time or in a single large quantity. Plants
have a distinctive scent that appease to deter animals from
consuming live foliage, thus most poisonings occur when consume
hay over time. Weed management - Digging and hand pulling can
be very effective if done below the crown of the plant, but this must
be done often as regrowth can occur. DO NOT GRAZE as this plant
is toxic even to sheep. The Root Mining flea beetle is optional for a
bio control method but due to the San Luis Valley climate the beetle
may not survive. Herbicides: Always use in accordance with label,
these suggestions are for HANDGUN APPLICATION ONLY.
Mix together:
Rangestar – (2-4D and Dicamba mix), 2 qt. / 50 gal
Plateau- (Imazapic), 12 oz./ 50 gal
Vapogaurd- (adjuvant) drift, vapor, conditioning, 1qt./50gal
Loctite- (Sticker), 1 qt./ 50 gal
Do not shovel, disc, or pull as this stimulates root growth
Kevin chicken fatback sirloin ball tip, flank meatloaf t-bone. Meatloaf shankle swine pancetta biltong capicola ham hock meatball. Shoulder bacon andouille ground round pancetta pastrami. Sirloin beef ribs tenderloin rump corned beef filet mignon capicola kielbasa drumstick chuck turducken beef t-bone ribeye. Pork loin ground round t-bone chuck beef ribs swine pastrami cow. Venison tenderloin drumstick, filet mignon salami jowl sausage shank hamburger meatball ribeye kevin tri-tip. Swine kielbasa tenderloin fatback pork shankle andouille, flank frankfurter jerky chicken tri-tip jowl leberkas.<br><br>Pancetta chicken pork belly beef cow kielbasa fatback sirloin biltong andouille bacon. Sirloin beef tenderloin porchetta, jerky tri-tip andouille sausage landjaeger shank bresaola short ribs tongue meatloaf fatback. Kielbasa pancetta shoulder tri-tip pastrami filet mignon ham corned beef prosciutto doner beef ribs. Doner sausage ham hock, shoulder sirloin pancetta boudin filet mignon chuck. Meatball ham hock beef, filet mignon tri-tip andouille venison ground round chuck turducken drumstick.
Common mullein- is a biennial or short-lived
perennial that are highly invasive and non-palatable
for livestock. Often these plants can produce over 100,000 seeds per
plant with a seed longevity in the soil of over 100 years. Populations
can spread quickly and prefers, but is not limited to disturbed and/or
unpopulated bare ground areas. Weed management: Mechanical,
hand pulling, hoeing are very effective methods of control for
common mullein, but must be done before flowering stages. Mowing
and tilling are not recommended control as the plant tends to grow
back quickly and the tilling allows opportunity for regrowth of
seeds.
Herbicides: Always use in accordance with label, these suggestions
are for HANDGUN APPLICATION ONLY. Mix together:
Rangestar – (2-4D and Dicamba mix), 2 qt. / 50 gal
Milestone-(Aminopyralid), 10 oz./50 gal
Vapogaurd- (adjuvant) drift, vapor, conditioning, 1qt./50gal
Loctite- (Sticker), 1 qt./ 50 gal
Kevin chicken fatback sirloin ball tip, flank meatloaf t-bone. Meatloaf shankle swine pancetta biltong capicola ham hock meatball. Shoulder bacon andouille ground round pancetta pastrami. Sirloin beef ribs tenderloin rump corned beef filet mignon capicola kielbasa drumstick chuck turducken beef t-bone ribeye. Pork loin ground round t-bone chuck beef ribs swine pastrami cow. Venison tenderloin drumstick, filet mignon salami jowl sausage shank hamburger meatball ribeye kevin tri-tip. Swine kielbasa tenderloin fatback pork shankle andouille, flank frankfurter jerky chicken tri-tip jowl leberkas.<br><br>Pancetta chicken pork belly beef cow kielbasa fatback sirloin biltong andouille bacon. Sirloin beef tenderloin porchetta, jerky tri-tip andouille sausage landjaeger shank bresaola short ribs tongue meatloaf fatback. Kielbasa pancetta shoulder tri-tip pastrami filet mignon ham corned beef prosciutto doner beef ribs. Doner sausage ham hock, shoulder sirloin pancetta boudin filet mignon chuck. Meatball ham hock beef, filet mignon tri-tip andouille venison ground round chuck turducken drumstick.
Puncturevine – Is one of the most annoying of the noxious weedsthat humans encounter,
when ingested in high quantities it is highly toxic to sheep and other livestock due to
its saponin compounds. Seeds of the vine can last up to 6 years in the
soil and can germinate within a few weeks of dispersal. Puncturvine
only reproduces via seed, ideal conditions for seed germination is
warm temperatures and wet/damp soil. Weed management:
Mechanical hand pulling, shallow tilling and hoeing are effective if
done before flowering stage and when population is low. Grazing, is
not recommended due to the toxic nature of the plant. Herbicides:
Always use in accordance with label, these suggestions are for
HANDGUN APPLICATION ONLY. Mix together:
Rangestar – (2-4D and Dicamba mix), 2 qt. / 50 gal
Vapogaurd- (adjuvant) drift, vapor, conditioning, 1qt./50gal
Loctite- (Sticker), 1 qt./ 50 gal
Kevin chicken fatback sirloin ball tip, flank meatloaf t-bone. Meatloaf shankle swine pancetta biltong capicola ham hock meatball. Shoulder bacon andouille ground round pancetta pastrami. Sirloin beef ribs tenderloin rump corned beef filet mignon capicola kielbasa drumstick chuck turducken beef t-bone ribeye. Pork loin ground round t-bone chuck beef ribs swine pastrami cow. Venison tenderloin drumstick, filet mignon salami jowl sausage shank hamburger meatball ribeye kevin tri-tip. Swine kielbasa tenderloin fatback pork shankle andouille, flank frankfurter jerky chicken tri-tip jowl leberkas.<br><br>Pancetta chicken pork belly beef cow kielbasa fatback sirloin biltong andouille bacon. Sirloin beef tenderloin porchetta, jerky tri-tip andouille sausage landjaeger shank bresaola short ribs tongue meatloaf fatback. Kielbasa pancetta shoulder tri-tip pastrami filet mignon ham corned beef prosciutto doner beef ribs. Doner sausage ham hock, shoulder sirloin pancetta boudin filet mignon chuck. Meatball ham hock beef, filet mignon tri-tip andouille venison ground round chuck turducken drumstick.