Weed Management Projects
Forest Service Invasive Plant Management
Cooperative weed management has been ongoing with the US Forest Service on the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District and Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. Weed awareness, survey, control, site restoration and monitoring are important components of this program. The major focus is managing Scotch broom, invasive knapweeds and other noxious weeds on trailheads, campgrounds and roadsides from which weed seeds can travel through the forest. Other partners in this effort include: Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington State Department of Transportation and the Noxious Weed Programs in Skamania, Cowlitz, Pierce and Yakima Counties.
WHAM - Wilderness Hay and Mulch Program
The Lewis County Weed Control Board supports the Wilderness Hay and Mulch program (WHAM) in Washington State by endorsing its use in our National Forests and construction projects. Hay growers in Lewis County can provide certified weed free hay to horseman, hunters and contractors who need this material. A current list of local WHAM producers is available at the State Weed Board website. The Lewis County Weed Program can provide growers with more information on the process to certify hay and straw with the WHAM standard.
WSDA Invasive Knotweed Control
Knotweed is an aggressive noxious weed that spreads quickly, shades out native plants and destroys wildlife habitat. Knotweed threatens riparian areas where it can survive flood events and then colonize the disturbed shorelines and adjacent uplands. The Lewis County Noxious Weed Control Board is working with the Washington State Department of Agriculture, Statewide Knotweed Program, to control invasive knotweed in the Upper Cowlitz, Upper Chehalis, South Fork Chehalis and Newaukum River Watersheds. The project works with landowners to survey, identify and control knotweed on properties adjacent to these river systems and other lands that serve as sources to spread knotweed.