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Brush and Weed Control Education Program (Torrance County)

Plan Goal

Private land managers, as well as state and federal agency land managers will learn the most efficient, economical and ecologically sound means of managing noxious brush and weeds.

Situation Statement

The spread of invasive, non-native plant species is one of the greatest threats to the long-term environmental stability and health in Torrance County. To many, invasive weeds are simply beautiful wildflowers. They can actually cause serious ecological and economic damage to many areas. Weeds take over important habitat areas for wildlife, devastating shelter and forage while reducing the diversity and quality of native plants. Weeds spread to an estimated 4,000 acres (over 6 square miles) each day. Other problems include erosion increase and reduced production of forage and crops, and possible poisoning to livestock and wildlife. Control is costly, because once identified, the population is often booming. Early detection is important. More than 5,000 invasive weed species sightings have been documented. In Torrance County, the most prominent is Russian Knapweed. Other weed species include Musk Thistle, Hoary Cress, Perennial Pepperweed, Yellow Toadflax, Scottish Thistle, and African Rue. Many of these weeds have caused serious ecological and economic damage in other areas of the country and threaten the Torrance County area if action is not taken.

Target Audience and Actions

Private land ranchers and state and federal range conservationists are the primary target audience. Demonstration and education programs will be arranged and conducted through county extension agents and federal land management agencies in order to reach the target audience.

Another target audience will be all residents of Torrance County who are concerned about brush and weed encroachment. Since many people are moving to the county on small acreages, they are concerned about their immediate enviroment.

Short-Term Objectives

Continue to serve on the Central New Mexico Weed Management Area Board (CNMWMAB)to coordinate weed and brush education and eradication efforts with county, state and federal agencies. Effort, in coordination with CNMWMAB, will be made to identify and map invasive weed locations in Torrance County.

Conduct or assist in conducting at least two educational workshops or demonstrations on weed and brush control each year.

Farmers and ranchers in Torrance County will be provided identification assistance as well as control measure information through the newsletter. Identification will also be made with the assistance of the Extension Service.

Administer private pesticide applicator study material and testing for Mew Mexico Department of Agriculture.

In coordination with other agencies, provide overview of importance of weed and brush control to land and watershed health.

Medium-Term Objectives

At least ten county residents will implement control measures as a result of educational efforts each year.

To work through the CNMWMAB with county and state transportation workers to identify noxious weeds among roadways in Torrance County. The digital-sized formatted map of existing evasive weeds in Torrance County will be completed.

Long-Term Objectives

Awareness of weed and brush concerns will be heightened in Torrance County.

Evaluation Plan

Opportunities such as field days and tours will be conducted to demonstrate of proper weed control.

Survey the primary chemical dealer in Torrance County to measure the amount of herbicide used and acres treated.

Communication log will be kept to record feedback from the community.