Ag department updates weed list

The New Mexico Department of Agriculture last week released an update to its noxious weed list, replacing the 2016 list.

Petitions to add new plant species to the state noxious weed list were solicited and received by the agency from Cooperative Weed Management Areas, individuals, agencies and organizations. The New Mexico Weed List Advisory Committee reviewed the petitions using ecological, distribution, effects and legal status criteria within New Mexico and adjoining states.

“Thank you to the Cooperative Weed Management Areas, individuals, agencies and organizations who participated in the process of updating this list,” said New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte. “This effort helps us stay vigilant against potential threats to New Mexico’s environment or economy.”

Plant species on the New Mexico Noxious Weed List are designated by state law as noxious weeds to be targeted for control or eradication.

The list includes:

• Class A species, which are not present in New Mexico or have limited distribution. Preventing new infestations of these species and eradicating existing infestations is the highest priority.

• Class B species, which are limited to portions of the state. In areas with severe infestations, management should be designed to contain the infestation and stop further spread.

• Class C species, which are widespread in the state. Management decisions for these species should be determined at the local level, based on feasibility of control and level of infestation.

• Watch List species, which are species of concern. These species have the potential to become problematic. More data are needed to determine whether these species should be listed. When these species are encountered, individuals should document their location and contact their local Soil and Water Conservation District or County Extension Office.

The entire list may be read at tinyurl.com/y8vhgssw,

The list does not include every plant species with the potential to affect the state’s environment or economy. Landowners and land managers are encouraged to recognize plant species listed on the federal noxious weed list and other Western states’ noxious weed lists as potentially having negative effects and manage them accordingly.