Weed Management Program
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Management Targets
The Town of Vail manages weeds according to the Town of Vail Weed Management Plan and the Noxious Weed Ordinance. Current target areas include 32 miles of residential roadways, 11 miles of frontage road areas, 12 miles of recreation path and over 250 acres of open space and park areas.
A 2007 inventory identified 23 species of Noxious Weeds in Vail as listed on the Colorado Department of Agriculture Noxious Weed List. Detailed information about these and other plants on the Colorado Noxious Weed List can be found on the Colorado Department of Agriculture website. Fact Sheets provide plant characteristics, photos and control recommendations.
Integrated Weed Management
Vail is dedicated to implementing integrated weed management techniques. This means using four basic methods to control weed populations including cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical controls. A description of these methods is available in the Town of Vail Weed Management Plan.
Herbicide Applications
Herbicide applications are targeted to specific plants when they are most vulnerable within their growth cycle. Therefore, three primary applications will occur during 2009 in mid-June, late-July and mid-September.
Notification Policy
Notification signs will be placed at neighborhood entrances at least 48 hours in advance of spraying activities.
In open space and park areas, flags will be placed at the edges of application areas and will remain in place a minimum of 48 hours. While the areas are considered safe to enter once the herbicides dry, it is recommended that dogs and people refrain from using these areas when the flags are in place.
If you wish to be personally notified prior to spraying in your area, call 970-479-2158 or email weeds@vailgov.com with your name, address and phone number to be placed on the notification list. Notification will include one phone call at least one week in advance of spraying operations, and a second phone call at least 48 hours in advance.
Free On-Site Consultations
If you think you may have noxious weeds, report them to the town. Free on-site consultations will be offered by town staff each Wednesday throughout the summer, beginning May 28. Call or email in advanced at 479-2158 or weeds@vailgov.com to schedule an appointment.
Applicator List
The list of licensed herbicide applicators is provided by the Town of Vail for educational or informational purposes only. No endorsement is implied, omissions may occur and other information sources should be consulted. Pesticide applicators are licensed by the Colorado Department of Agriculture.
Free Publications and Information
In addition to on-site advice, the town offers free Noxious Weeds of Colorado books, Guides to Non-Invasive Plants for your Garden, and Colorado Weed Calendars, as well as other various pamphlets and brochures. Email weeds@vailgov.com for more information.
Links
For more information on Noxious Weeds, why we manage them and their impact on Colorado, please visit the following links:
Town of Vail Weed Management Newsletter
Colorado Weed Management Association
Colorado Department of Agriculture
Eagle County Weed and Pest Department
