Integrated Weed Management

Effective weed management is critical to the success ecological restoration projects and for protecting and restoring native plant communities as well as agricultural lands.  We assist our clients by identifying and mapping state-listed noxious weeds and other problematic species; then providing recommendations for eradicating or managing those species.

Our approach is based on Integrated Weed Management techniques including mechanical, biological, cultural, and chemical control methods, with the goal of minimizing the reliance on chemical herbicides over the long-term.  Our ecological focus allows us to make recommendations based on the unique characteristics of each species to determine the best method of control.

Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) is a List A Noxious Weed in Colorado.

NOXIOUS WEED INVENTORIES AND MAPPING

Noxious weed inventories and mapping are the first step in developing an Integrated Weed Management Plan.  We conduct detailed field reconnaissance to identify weed species of concern and document their location and abundance.  GPS units are used to mark locations in the field, then the data are imported into GIS.  The resulting maps are used to identify and prioritize treatment areas for noxious weed management and to facilitate long-term monitoring programs.

Chicory (Chicorium intybus) is a State-Listed Noxious Weed in Colorado.

INTEGRATED WEED MANAGEMENT PLANS

We develop weed management plans that include maps and descriptions of targeted species and areas of concern, with detailed recommendations for implementation that are specific to each project site.  Our plans focus on Integrated Weed Management techniques that incorporate a combination of cultural, mechanical, chemical, and biological control methods that are informed by the unique ecology of each weed, with the overall goal of reducing the need for chemical  herbicides over the long-term.

Bindweed mites are a biological control insect for field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis). This plot is a release site in Longmont, Colorado.

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS AND OVERSIGHT

Weed management is a dynamic process that requires careful monitoring, recommendations, and oversight.  We work with our clients to implement Integrated Weed Management Plans and interact with herbicide applicators and landscaping crews to clearly identify and communicate project needs, then monitor the success of treatments and recommend follow-up actions, as necessary.

Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum) is a Noxious Weed in Colorado.

LONG-TERM MONITORING

We provide long-term monitoring of weed management plan implementation through GIS-based weed mapping and establishment of quantitative vegetation monitoring transects to collect plant cover data.

Russian thistle (Salsola iberica) dominates a fallow hayfield in Eagle County, Colorado.