Emery County officials announced on March 23 that all landowners and those who control property in the county are required to manage noxious weeds, following the Utah Noxious Weed Act. The notice states that effective measures such as cutting, tillage, cropping, pasturing, or chemical treatments must be used to prevent these weeds from blooming, producing seeds, or spreading by roots or other means.
This requirement is significant because unchecked growth of noxious and invasive weeds can threaten agriculture, public health, and the environment. The spread of these plants may result in increased costs for landowners and potentially lead to county-imposed control actions if not addressed.
According to the announcement, if a property owner fails to comply with weed control requirements, county authorities may step in and enforce necessary measures. Any expenses incurred by the county for these efforts will be billed directly to the owner or person in possession of the property. If unpaid, these costs may become a lien on the property and could be collected through taxes.
The notice outlines five classes of noxious weeds as defined by state regulations: Class 1A (Early Detection Rapid Response Watch List), Class 1B (Early Detection Rapid Response), Class 2 (Control), Class 3 (Containment), and Class 4 (Prohibited for sale or propagation). Each class includes specific plant species considered high priorities based on their threat level and presence within Utah.
For example, plants such as common crupina and African rue are listed under Class 1A due to their potential threat but absence from Utah. Other species like camelthorn and garlic mustard fall under Class 1B because they exist only in limited populations within the state. Widespread invasive species such as Russian knapweed appear in containment lists where management focuses on limiting expansion rather than eradication.
The announcement also specifies certain exemptions; for instance, Bermudagrass is not classified as a noxious weed within Washington County but remains regulated elsewhere in Utah. Emery County has additionally declared Russian olive as a local noxious weed.
