Each year, the State Noxious Weed Control Board
adopts, by rule (WAC 16-750), the State Noxious Weed List. This list determines which
plants will be considered noxious weeds and where control will be
required in Washington State. This approach allows control activities of
land owners - both public and private - to be prioritized towards the
protection and enhancement of Washington's agriculture and natural areas
in the most cost-effective manner.
Class A Noxious Weeds:
Non-native species
that are limited in distribution in Washington. State law requires that
these weeds be eradicated.
Class B Noxious Weeds:
Non-native species
that are either absent from or limited in distribution in some portions
of the state but very abundant in other areas. The goals are to contain
the plants where they are already widespread and prevent
their spread into new areas.
Class C Noxious Weeds:
Non-native plants that are already widespread in Washington State.
Counties can choose to enforce control, or they can educate residents
about controlling these noxious weeds.
Monitor List
Weeds:
Putting plants on the Monitor List allows us to gather more information
about them such as their distribution in the State, observable impacts,
spread rate, etc.