Description

The Weed and Pest Department is responsible for noxious weed management on County owned property.

Core Services

• Maintain compliance with the Colorado Noxious Weed Act Title 35 Article 5.5
• Manage noxious weed populations on County property
• Act as a resource for citizens of Archuleta County
• Provide contractual weed management services for public lands as well as private properties
• Responsible for enforcement and public education regarding the Colorado Noxious Weed Act

2024 Accomplishments and Challenges

• Completed all scheduled work and treated some county roads twice
• Continued biocontrol release program and surveyed sites with CDA Insectary Staff for new agent releases
• Increased work on Forest Service Right-of-Ways
• Partnered with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Natural Areas Program, and Natural Heritage Program to manage weeds in the Pagosa Skyrocket Natural Area
• Sent over 100 notification letters to noncompliant properties
• Staffing and recruitment was a challenge in 2024, the department was short-handed until July

2025 Goals

• Increase local partnerships to increase weed management efforts and awareness
• Schedule more educational presentations and targeted outreach
• Complete all scheduled work