Written collaboratively by Paul O. Johnson, David Vos and Jill Alms
Noxious weeds are a big problem
Over 3 million acres infested in South Dakota. Statewide losses for noxious weeds exceed $100 million annually. The acreage and cost will continue to increase unless those responsible take action to control and eradicate noxious weeds on the land.
Noxious weed characteristics
A weed must possess the following characteristics to be declared noxious statewide:
- The weed is perennial.
- The weed has unique capability to spread rapidly.
- The weed is not controllable without special prevention or management.
- The weed is capable of decreasing the value of land.
- The weed is capable of materially reducing the production of crops or livestock.
- The weed is not native to South Dakota.
Local noxious weeds
Weeds may be designated locally noxious upon request from counties and approval from the South Dakota Weed and Pest Control Commission. Local noxious weeds have the following characteristics:
- The weed is biennial, perennial, or a pernicious annual.
- The weed is capable of spreading rapidly.
- The weed is not controllable without special preventative or management practices.
- The weed is capable of materially reducing production of crops or livestock.
- The weed is capable of decreasing the value of the land.
