Noxious Weed Control
Background
Noxious weeds are non-native plants that invade our habitat (including your neighbors). State of Colorado statutes and Town of Silverthorne ordinances require property owners to control state designated noxious weeds on their property. In our mountainous terrain, noxious weeds are particularly prolific if left unattended.
A coordinated approach is the best way to tackle this problem. Since 2008, the Homeowners Association has undertaken a comprehensive effort to help homeowners control and eradicate noxious weeds. We have identified 9 species of noxious weeds in our community (note: follow the underlined links for pictures and additional information). Noxious weeds can generally be identified by late June.
Those species are:
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False Chamomile (crazy daisy) & Oxeye Daisy
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Musk Thistle, Plumeless Thistle & Canada Thistle
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Yellow Toadflax (butter & eggs)
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Hoary Cress (whitetop)
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Leafy Spurge
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Mullein
Please note that the dandelion, while considered undesirable by some, is not a noxious weed as defined by the state of Colorado.
Spraying for dandelions before late June will not control noxious weeds.
Property owners’ options to control noxious weeds include:
1) spraying and/or pulling certain noxious weeds including Chamomile, Musk and Plumeless Thistle, and Mullein. Canada Thistle, Yellow Toadflax, Oxeye Daisy, Hoary Cress and Leafy Spurge should be spot sprayed.
2) contracting separately with a licensed commercial sprayer to spray their property.
3) participating in the community spraying program with ENPHA’s designated commercial sprayer. If a property owner chooses to participate in the ENPHA program they can pay a net of $35 if paid with their annual dues remittance or $40 if paid by June1. If sprayed by ENPHA’s commercial sprayer, spraying will take place in mid-July, depending on the weather. Updates will be posted as to the start of the program.
Obviously only properties that pay to participate in the ENPHA program will be sprayed. If payment is not received by June 1, it will be assumed the property owner does not wish to participate in the community program and will take care of ridding their property of noxious weeds. However, if ENPHA representatives or weed spray contractors observe any infestation of noxious weeds on these properties in late July, the owner of that property will be reported to the Town of Silverthorne’s Compliance Officer.
