Noxious Weed Control Board

Weed List

What are weeds and why do we care?

Description of a Weed

There are numerous definitions of a weed, including:

  • A plant out of place and not intentionally sown
  • A plant growing where it is not wanted
  • A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered. (R.W.Emerson)
  • Plants that are competitive, persistent, pernicious, and interfere negatively with human activity (Ross, et. al.)

Weeds are troublesome in many ways. There are approximately 250,000 species of plants worldwide; of those, about 3% or 8000 species behave as weeds. Weeds have a controversial nature and are common on all 485 million acres of U.S. cropland and almost one billion acres of range and pasture. So, weed lists as you might imagine, can be helpful.

So what does make a weed a 'Noxious weed'?

According to the Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board the term ‘noxious weed’ is the traditional, legal term for invasive, non-native plants that are so aggressive they harm our local ecosystems or disrupt agricultural production. These plants crowd out the native species that fish and wildlife depend on. They also cost farmers, orchardists and ranchers millions of dollars in control efforts and lost production – and that can make the food we buy more expensive.

So while ordinary weeds may be annoying, noxious weeds are a genuine threat to the natural resources, ecology and economy of our state.

Posted: 02/02/2015 01:45 PM
Last Updated: 03/22/2024 09:59 AM

Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 26
    Apr 2024
    09:30 AM - 10:30 AM

    Public Meeting: Public Canvassing Board Meetings

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.

    Chelan County Auditor’s Office
  • 24
    Apr 2024
    06:30 PM - 08:00 PM

    Planning Commission - April 24th, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    400 Douglas Street
  • 24
    Apr 2024
    07:00 PM - 08:00 PM

    Assessor's Office Community Meeting: Entiat and North Wenatchee

    Posted by: Chelan County Assessor

    Chelan County Assessor Wes Cornelius invites property owners and all interested parties to attend one of four community meetings scheduled this spring throughout the county.

    Wenatchee Valley Fire Station No. 11
  • 23
    Apr 2024
    09:00 AM - 08:00 PM

    Special Election Day - Manson Parks & Recreation District voters only

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Election Day

  • 15
    Apr 2024
    08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

    Registration in person at our office

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Registration Deadline in person at our office.