ALAMOSA — Alamosa County Road and Bridge will be starting its annual roadside noxious weed spraying June 11. Those who are organic farmers, beekeepers or landowners who do not want the right-of-way adjacent to their property sprayed, it is imperative to contact the Alamosa County Land Use office to let the weed control coordinator know and be placed on a “No Spray List.” Those who request to be placed on the “No Spray” list are responsible for the eradication of noxious weeds in those areas. Remember that a “No Spray” sign MUST BE POSTED at the property corners to ensure the spraying crew recognizes property lines.

There are many kinds of weeds and the following are declared noxious because they present a danger to livestock and agriculture, are non-native and invasive. The current list includes Black Henbane, Bull thistle, Canada Thistle, Cheatgrass, Field Bindweed, Hoary Cress, three kinds of Knapweed (Diffuse, Spotted and Russian), Knapweed, Leafy Spurge, Perennial Pepperweed (Ironweed), Perennial Sowthistle, Puncturevine (Goathead) and yellow Toadflax. 

The effective treatments for these weeds vary widely and require unique management to prevent flowering and the dispersal of seeds. Some of these are even capable of producing multiple seed crops each season. An exciting public tool for weed control and mapping is available as an app, EddMaps West.

The deadline to call is June 8.  For more information, please contact David Strawn at the land use office at 719-589-3812.