Sen. Jech hosts interim study examining noxious weeds

There are four weeds labeled as “noxious” in the state of Oklahoma – meaning they are a public nuisance and can crowd out vegetation and forage for livestock and wildlife. Sen. Darcy Jech, R-Kingfisher, recently hosted an interim study to gauge the impacts of such weeds and discuss the remedial approaches being used to address them. 

Oklahoma’s noxious weeds include Canada Thistle, Musk Thistle, Scotch Thistle and Field Bindweed. While Oklahoma only has four species identified as noxious, surrounding states have many more. For example, Texas lists 37 weeds as noxious and Colorado has identified 79.

“I was very pleased with the discussion from our interim study pertaining to noxious and invasive weeds in Oklahoma,” Jech said. “This is an ongoing issue that impacts farmers and ranchers across our district and the state – an issue that really does require constant monitoring and collaboration between landowners, businesses and state agencies.”

Representatives from Oklahoma State University Extension, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (ODAFF), Association of County Commissioners of Oklahoma (ACCO), Oklahoma Cattleman’s Association (OCA) and the Oklahoma Invasive Plant Council (OIPC) presented at the study and discussed the issues, solutions and elimination of noxious weeds as well as the state laws concerning these species. Local farmers and ranchers also spoke about their experiences dealing with the invasive species. 

According to state statute, it’s the duty of each landowner to treat, control or eradicate noxious weeds on their property. If the weed is found in the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation, county or any other public, private or corporate group, treatment or removal will be the responsibility of the entity the weed falls under. ODAFF can help landowners determine the type of noxious weed infestation and determine the most appropriate course of treatment for the type of weed and location of the property.

“Many thanks to those farmers and ranchers for their input at the study, as well as the other speakers,” Jech said. “The OSU county extension agents are a great resource for information on this topic, and they were very well represented at our study by Mr. Tommy Puffinbarger, the OSU extension agent from Alfalfa County.”