Some FAQs about weed-free forage on Forest Service land
Effective January 1, 2007, commercially processed
feed pellets and/or certified weed-free
straw and feed is now required within all wilderness areas and
adjacent trailheads in our PNW National Forests, managed by the USDA
Forest Service. On January 1, 2009, this requirement will be in effect
for all US Forest Service lands. |
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Why are weed-free forage
and straw now mandatory on Forest Service wilderness areas?
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Invasive plants, including
noxious weeds, are a serious threat to natural areas. They
outcompete native plants, degrade wildlife habitat, and reduce soil
and water quality. They also cause economic losses in natural areas
by reducing aesthetics and recreational opportunities.
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While these weeds can be
extremely difficult to remove once they've established anywhere -
cropland, rangeland, yards, abandoned lots - they are especially
hard to detect and then eradicate in wilderness areas.
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The USDA Forest Service passed
this order [36 CFR 261.58(t)] to help prevent the introduction of
new weed seeds into designated wilderness areas.
What kinds of products
are included in this weed-free requirement?
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Hay, hay cubes, straw, grain, and
other crop or mulch products must be certified weed-free using North
American Weed management Association (NAWMA) standards, regardless
of how they are used (livestock feed, erosion control, mulch, etc.).
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Commercially processed feed
pellets and steamed, rolled grains are considered weed-free feed
and
do not need additional certification. The processes by which
they are made effectively destroys most viable seeds.
Are these weed-free products
required if someone is passing through National Forests?
Where can I get state certified
hay and crop products in Washington?
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Currently, the State of
Washington Department of Agriculture does not have a statewide,
weed-free certification program for hay or crop products.
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Interested County Noxious Weed
Control Boards may have employees trained to certify weed-free hay
and crop products under North American Weed Management Association
(NAWMA) standards in March, 2008 for the upcoming growing season.
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Please check back regularly.
We will provide more information as Washington producers become
certified.
How can a grower get his or her
crops NAWMA certified in Washington?
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If you are a producer of hay,
straw, or other mulching crop product and are interested in getting
certification, please contact the Washington State Noxious Weed
Control Board at 360-902-2082 or at
noxiousweeds@agr.wa.gov.
You can download the official USDA Forest Service question and answer
PDF here. It contains more detailed information. You can also go
visit the PNW Forest Service webpage on invasive plants at
http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/weeds/
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