The NDWCA Helping Fight Against Weeds
Laney Jones, VWND Communications and Outreach Specialist
The North Dakota Weed Control Association
Are weeds taking over your garden, yard, or pasture? Cannot figure out what that invasive plant is in your grassland? The North Dakota Weed Control Association (NDWCA) can help. Founded in 1983, the NDWCA promotes effective weed management across the state. Their mission is to provide the knowledge, tools, and leadership needed to control these troublesome plants. By empowering North Dakotans with weed control expertise, the NDWCA helps our state thrive.
The NDWCA Benefitting You
The North Dakota Weed Control Association empowers county and city weed boards, private landowners, and state and federal land managers with the knowledge, tools, and strategies to effectively combat noxious weeds. The NDWCA's core goals are:
Leadership: Spearheading weed management initiatives across North Dakota.
Awareness: Promoting public education and awareness campaigns about weed control.
Research: Supporting innovative research to find solutions to weed problems.
Assistance: Collaborating with the North Dakota Department of Agriculture to develop robust weed management programs.
Legislation: Advocating for legislation that strengthens weed control efforts.
Liaison: Facilitating communication and cooperation among weed control stakeholders.
Free-to-use image by: Dapur Melodi
The following bulleted are examples of the tools provided:
Noxious weeds information / identification.
Forms and resources, like the 2024 North Dakota Weed Control Guide.
Videos on dealing with pest management and controlling noxious weed species with insects.
Their members include organizations of all kinds from city, state, and national levels, researchers, individuals, and anyone else who is dedicated to fighting against noxious weed species taking over. The North Dakota Weed Control Association unites diverse stakeholders in the fight against noxious weeds: city, state, and national organizations, researchers, individuals, and more. The NDWCA collaborates with members and landowners to tailor weed control plans that protect property, animals, and families. Jim Hennessey, a retired NDWCA member, emphasizes the importance of localized approaches. Expressing that each county in North Dakota tackles weed control differently. Some provide pesticides, others hire contractors, and some, like his home county, even spray public areas within their township.
But what exactly are noxious weeds? The NDWCA defines them as plants that harm the environment, animals, crops, and humans, making them subject to government control. Jim offers a powerful tip for battling them: "Know your weeds for early detection and rapid response." Choose the best method – spraying, grazing, or other means – to protect your land. Noxious weeds devastate crops, grasslands, and urban areas alike. They pose a major threat to agriculture and wildlife habitats. They do not just invade fields and gardens; their takeover disrupts ecosystems and forces wildlife out of their homes and food sources.
Additional Information on The North Dakota Weed Control Association
The NDWCA offers fantastic learning opportunities for anyone battling noxious weeds. Jim highlighted their upcoming sprayer schools, happening May 29th-31st in Carrington, Minot, and Dickinson. These schools are packed with valuable information – from weed control regulations and GPS systems to CPR and first aid. Plus, attendees get hands-on training in spraying techniques, pesticide knowledge, calibration, and a chance to network.
Mark your calendar for the Northern Plains Weed Management Symposium on August 20th-22nd in Washburn. Dive into innovative technology like drones for precision spraying, learn about the latest noxious weed threats, identify invasive species, and explore the vital role of honeybees and the effects of spraying on pastureland.
The North Dakota Weed Control Association (NDWCA) is your go-to resource for expert weed management information and support. Jim, a member of the NDWCA, emphasizes their close partnership with the Department of Agriculture, ensuring the best solutions for tackling noxious weeds. No matter where you are in North Dakota, there is a local professional or office ready to assist with your weed control challenges.
By empowering people with knowledge about noxious weeds, the NDWCA plays a crucial role in safeguarding the crops that feed our communities. They also champion the health of our native grasslands, preserving the natural beauty and productivity that make North Dakota special.
Join Jim and other experts at Vision West ND's Natural Resources Stewardship event on March 26, 2024, in Manning, North Dakota! This is your chance to learn directly from industry leaders about the latest in weed management, gravel pit practices, and more. Network with professionals, get your questions answered, and gain valuable insights to improve your land management. Start time is 10 AM – visit the VWND website for full details and registration.
If you would like to follow along with our monthly newsletters go to www.visionwestnd.com/newsletters and sign up. Each month we focus on a new topic within Vision West ND’s priority areas.
Resources
North Dakota Weed Control Association
NDWCA | North Dakota Weed Control Association (ndweeds.com)
Jim Hennessey
County Agent / Weed Control Officer