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Thurston County, Washington

The content on the Thurston County website is currently provided in English. We are providing the “Translation” for approximately 10 languages. The goal of the translation is to provide visitors with limited English proficiency to access information on the website in other languages. The translations do not translate all types of documents, and it may not give you an exact translation all the time. The translations are made through an automated process, which may not result in accurate or precise translations, particularly of technical and legal terminology.

Public Works

shovel icon with text reading, "Weed 'Em Out, Noxious Weeds Damage our Resources"

 

Our mission is to protect citizens, natural resources, and agricultural resources of Thurston County from the detrimental impacts of invasive, noxious weeds. 

What are Noxious Weeds?

  • Non-native, invasive plants
  • Threaten public health, the environment, wildlife, and recreational areas
  • Reduce diversity in impacted ecosystems
  • Reduce wildlife forage and habitat 
  • Can be toxic 
  • Reduce quality of hay, forage, and other agricultural products
  • Increase risk and intensity of wildfires 
  • Increase cost of roads and building maintenance ​

Common Species Mandated for Control in Thurston County

Get Involved!

  • Control noxious weeds on your land 
  • Report infestations when you find them 
  • Grow native and non-invasive plants in your garden 
  • Clean vehicles, boats, equipment and tools after each use- especially when entering new water bodies
  • Talk to your friends and neighbors about the impacts of noxious weeds and the importance of controlling them

Protecting Pollinators

Treat weeds prior to blooming to minimize negative impacts to bees and other pollinators. If treatment must occur during the blooming period, spray early or late in the day when pollinators are least active. It may be necessary to remove flowers from plants before spraying.  

More information on bees and other pollinators: 

Integrated Pest Management

Our program is guided by the use of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy. This approach to pest and vegetation management uses a combination of practices to treat infestations. The use of physical, mechanical, cultural, and biological methods are prioritized to manage noxious weed infestations. If chemical control is necessary, we choose the least toxic product available and always follow instructions on the label. 

  • To view a summary of the work the Noxious Weeds Program is doing, view our Annual IPM Report!

​Containment Ordinance

If you’re grading, putting in utilities for a development, building a new house, or any other land use activities of this nature, click here regarding the Noxious Weed Containment Ordinance and Containment Procedures.