Vegetation Management
Noxious weed cost-share program available
Garfield County and the Bookcliff, Mount Sopris, and South Side Conservation Districts are once again offering landowners financial assistance for controlling noxious weeds and trees on their properties. Cost-sharing is available for all Garfield County and State of Colorado listed noxious weeds and watch list species, including Russian olive, tamarisk, and Siberian elm trees. For current cost share applications, contact Sarah LaRose at 970-945-1377, ext. 4315.
Submit images for the 2026 Weeds of Garfield County calendar photo contest
The Garfield County Vegetation Management Department is seeking images related to noxious weeds for its annual calendar. Winning photos may receive up to $300 each and will be featured in the 2026 calendar. Photos of noxious weeds, weed removal and mitigation efforts, biocontrol, native habitats and agricultural settings, and wildlife will all be considered.
Garfield County Achieves Biocontrol Milestone
Garfield County is the first county in the state to have its own Russian knapweed biocontrol nursery and distribution program. Since 2000, Garfield County Vegetation Management has worked with the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s Palisade Insectary to release various biocontrol agents on noxious weeds throughout the county. Biological control, or biocontrol, is the use of natural enemies – such as insects or pathogens – to help control weeds or other pest organisms.
Noxious Weeds of Colorado: 14th Edition
The latest edition of “Noxious Weeds of Colorado” by Colorado Weed Management Association is available for interested landowners. This pocket-sized field guide includes the A, B and C Colorado State Noxious Weed Lists as well as a Watch List. Species are listed in alphabetical order and each comes with a detailed description as well as pictures to help in identification. Stop by our office to pick up a copy. We are located in Rifle at 195 W. 14th Street, Building D, Suite 310. Please call before coming to the office as we are frequently out working in the field
Biocontrol in Garfield County
Last year, approximately 3600 biocontrol agents were released for the control of Russian knapweed in Garfield County. More are scheduled to be released in 2019, and the insects seem to feel right at home.
Biocontrol
Weed management plan
The Garfield County Weed List provides guidelines for managing designated noxious weeds which represent a threat to the continued economic, environmental and agricultural value of lands in Garfield County. This plan provides for the implementation of the Colorado Noxious Weed Act by detailing integrated management options for designated noxious weeds.
Weed management plan
Contact
Sarah LaRose, Vegetation Manager, 970-945-1377, x 4315.