Noxious Weed Management Program

Zapata Homeowners Association

Noxious Weed Management Program 

In response to the noxious weed threats, the Colorado Department of Agriculture, with assistance from numerous public and private organizations, launched the Colorado Noxious Weed Management Program to halt and reduce the spread and establishment of noxious weeds. The intent of our program is to support and be consistent with the State's Noxious Weed Management Program. More information about the State program is available at  

http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/Agriculture-Main/CDAG/1167928159176

 
Noxious Weed Images and fact sheets for all western noxious weeds can be found at:

 
http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/Agriculture-Main/CDAG/1167928184099  

Colorado's Ten Most Wanted Weeds:

1. Canada thistle
2. Diffuse knapweed
3. Field bindweed
4. Hoary cress
5. Jointed goatgrass
6. Leafy spurge
7. Musk thistle
8. Russian knapweed
9. Spotted knapweed
10. Yellow toadflax

Alamosa County has a County Weed Board and offers services to support efforts by government and private groups to manage noxious weeds in the county. State Budget cuts since 2006 have impacted the resources available.

Alamosa County Weeds:

1. Canada thistle
2. Field bindweed
3. Hoary cress
4. Russian knapweed

On the Zapata the two most prominent weeds are Canada Thistle and Russian Knapweed. These weeds and others can be successfully controlled by applying several different weed management methods including biological, chemical, cultural and mechanical techniques. By integrating specific techniques that are practical, safe, and cost-effective, we can attack the weaknesses of targeted noxious weed species during specific times of their life cycle to achieve efficient control.

The basic methodology for our program will be chemical treatment in the spring and fall and mechanical methods as recommended in the published fact sheets for each weed. 

How ZHA Members Can Help:

1. Learn to identify the noxious weed species that are invading the area where you live and work. http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/Agriculture-Main/CDAG/1167928184099

1. Report the location of all known and suspected noxious weeds to local managers (Physical Improvements Committee) so they can be dealt with quickly. 
    
2. Manage noxious weeds on your property and share your concerns with neighbors. The Physical Improvements Committee can assist members in the management of weeds on their properties. 
    
3. Minimize ground disturbing activities on your land and always re-vegetate. 
    
4. Always use integrated weed management techniques for the effective and safe management of noxious weeds. 
    
5. Refrain from planting noxious weeds as ornamentals and remove any existing problem noxious weeds.