Shoshone County hosting free weed spray events
The Shoshone County Noxious Weed Advisory Board is hosting three free spray days where residents can learn about the local noxious weeds, receive free herbicide, and even borrow equipment like backpack-style weed sprayers for weed control.
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WALLACE –– The Shoshone County Noxious Weed Advisory Board has three free spray days they hope the public takes advantage of in the coming weeks.
As the weather warms up and people begin tackling their lawn and garden projects, the need to address potentially noxious and invasive weed species becomes paramount.
Residents who chose to participate in the free spray days receive training on recognizing potentially noxious weeds, how to properly calibrate and use their sprayers, as well as getting those tanks filled with herbicide at no charge.
According to Shoshone County Weed Superintendent Shelby Heiderman, landowners have a legal responsibility to control noxious weeds on their property by Idaho Code Title 22, Chapter 24, 22-2407, and the county has a legal obligation to enforce the code.
“Several cities have adopted weed and blight ordinances in addition to state laws that encourage landowners to control the ongoing problem of noxious weeds,” Heiderman said. “In addition to choking out grass in lawns, noxious weeds are also harmful to domestic animals and wildlife as well as infect their habitat. Several noxious weeds cause skin and eye irritation to humans and when ingested, can cause life-threatening liver damage to animals.”
The herbicide provided at the free spray event is specifically designed for turf lawns and is pet-safe once dried.
Tanks must be cleaned, dried, and emptied before they can legally be filled, but the county also has a small amount of backpack tank sprayers that can be loaned at no charge.
“The spray days will be a win-win as participants will learn about noxious weeds and have their spray tanks filled at no charge,” Heiderman said. “The spray days are made possible with the help of dedicated community volunteers. Providing free herbicide, training, and weed identification information has proven very beneficial to landowners where this program has been implemented.”
Any borrowed spray equipment must be returned within a week.
The Shoshone County Noxious Weed Advisory Board’s free spray days are from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and scheduled for June 13, at 58834 Silver Valley Road, in Osburn. June 25, at at Real Life Ministries in Pinehurst. June 27, at 6338 Prichard Creek Rd. in Murray.
All Shoshone County residents are welcome to participate in the free spray days. Please contact Shelby Heiderman with any questions at 208-753-5475 or 509-650-7311 or sheiderman@co.shoshone.id.us.