GOSHEN COUNTY WEED AND PEST CONTROL DISTRICT
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  • How do I...?
    • Identify what's in my yard
    • Obtain an applicator license
    • Dispose of hazardous waste
    • Know how much chemical to put in my sprayer
    • Certify/buy weed-free products
    • Get my weeds sprayed
    • Attend a board meeting
    • Apply for a job
  • Programs & Services
    • CRM Program
    • Mosquito Program
    • Leafy Spurge
    • Dalmatian Toadflax
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  • Weeds & Pests
    • Thistle Guide
    • Common Weeds & Pests
    • Early Detection, Rapid Response
    • State Designated Species
    • County Declared Species
  • News & Resources
    • Newsletter
  • Our Team

Weeds & pests

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THISTLE GUIDE
What's in a name? When it comes to "thistle" species, quite a bit.
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FAMILIAR SPECIES 
These weeds and pests are common in Goshen county lawns and pastures.
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EDRR 
Early detection, rapid response for species like Palmer amaranth and annual grasses.
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STATE DESIGNATED
View the 36 weed and pest species which impact resources within Wyoming.
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COUNTY DECLARED
There are an additional 6 species declared as noxious in Goshen county.
  • WHAT IS A WEED?
  • WHAT IS NOXIOUS?
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There are over 300,000 species of plants in the world, yet about 3% of those behave as weeds and less than 0.1% are problems in agriculture around the world. ​​
Definitions of a weed can vary by person, location, and environment. Generally, a weed is a plant which is growing where it is not wanted. For example, a weed in  rangeland may be a desirable landscaping plant. 

Examples of "weedy" characteristics include:
  • Rapid seedling growth - Palmer amaranth can grow 1" per day
  • Quick maturation - Canada thistle can produce viable seed 2 weeds after flowering 
  • Environmental plasticity - Russian thistle can germinate at soil temperatures between 28 and 110 degrees F
  • Resistance to poor environmental conditions - Common mullein seeds survived in the soil for over 100 years
  • Seeds are small or similar to desirable vegetation - Jointed goatgrass is difficult to sort out of wheat seed
  • Prolific seed production - Some species produce thousands or even millions of seeds per plant
  • Protective structures/chemistry - Burrs, spines, odor, toxins, etc prevent grazing or being eaten by insects
  • Dual modes of reproduction - Dalmatian toadflax reproduces by seed and by roots
A more complete definition of a weed can be seen by incorporating some of these "weedy" characteristics and the implication of human existence. 
  • Plants that are competitive, persistent, and pernicious and therefore interfere with human activities (Ross & Lembi)
  • A native or introduced species that has perceived negative ecological or economic effect on agriculture or natural ecosystems (Booth et al.)
"Noxious" is a legal classification for a plant, animal, or insect which is determined to be a weed or pest. The Wyoming Weed and Pest Control Act defines noxious weeds and pests as the following:
A designated noxious weed or pest is defined as a plant, animal, or insect species that is determined to be detrimental to the general health or welfare of the state based upon the following:
  1. Has demonstrated the ability to aggressively invade native plant communities and agricultural crops;
  2. Is injurious or poisonous to livestock;
  3. Is a carrier of disease or parasites;
  4. Can, by virtue of either direct or indirect effect, negatively impact management of agricultural or natural ecosystems.
Contact:
(307) 532-3713
​gocoweeds@gmail.com
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  • Home
  • How do I...?
    • Identify what's in my yard
    • Obtain an applicator license
    • Dispose of hazardous waste
    • Know how much chemical to put in my sprayer
    • Certify/buy weed-free products
    • Get my weeds sprayed
    • Attend a board meeting
    • Apply for a job
  • Programs & Services
    • CRM Program
    • Mosquito Program
    • Leafy Spurge
    • Dalmatian Toadflax
    • Prairie Dogs
    • Spraying Services
    • AGREEMENTS
  • Weeds & Pests
    • Thistle Guide
    • Common Weeds & Pests
    • Early Detection, Rapid Response
    • State Designated Species
    • County Declared Species
  • News & Resources
    • Newsletter
  • Our Team