News

Targeting invasive plants in SE Ohio

The Southeast Ohio Noxious and Invasive Weed Treatment Program has been introduced to help farmers and landowners in seven Southeast Ohio counties battle invasive plants.

Jay McElroy, Area Resource Conservationist in Zanesville says while plants like the spotted knapweed won’t be eradicated, management plans can be developed to help control it.

“Because if it does take over our pastures and hay fields in Eastern Ohio, the grazing values and hay values of our pastureland and hay land are going to be diminished,” McElroy said.

Financial assistance is available to help eligible producers with the invasive plants causing the most concern, including the spotted knapweed, autumn olive and tree of heaven.

“NRCS will offer technical assistant to producers, we’re going to do some outreach meetings with local extension offices on best control methods, what it looks like, so people can identify it out in the field and hopefully we’ll get some people to sign-up for the program,” said McElroy.

Counties eligible for funding include Belmont, Guernsey, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble and Washington.

More information is available at local NRCS offices. The application deadline is July 18.

Audio: Jay McElroy, NRCS Area Resource Conservationist (5:10 mp3)