PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release
May 17, 2006 www.agr.ne.gov		Contact: Christin Kamm (402) 471-6856

LINCOLN - As spring weather turns Nebraska green, the state's noxious weeds follow suit.

Governor Dave Heineman today signed a proclamation declaring June as Noxious Weed Awareness Month, recognizing the potential noxious weeds have to reduce Nebraska's crop yields.

"Noxious weed control aids in the protection of agriculture from profit robbing pest weeds," said Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Greg Ibach.

Spring marks the beginning of the growing season for noxious weeds, which compete with pastures and crops, reducing yields. Some noxious weeds have the potential to be poisonous or injurious to humans, livestock and wildlife.

NDA encourages Nebraskans to report any noxious weed infestations to their county weed control authority. County weed superintendents are available to help identify noxious weeds and to assist with proper control recommendations.

By law, effective noxious weed control is the responsibility of each person who owns or controls land. If infestations go uncontrolled, legal action is set in motion by the county weed control authority.

Eight weeds are designated as noxious in Nebraska, including: musk thistle, Canada thistle, plumeless thistle, spotted knapweed, diffuse knapweed, leafy spurge, purple loosestrife, and saltcedar.

For more information on Nebraska's noxious weed program, contact your county weed superintendent or contact Mitch Coffin with NDA's Bureau of Plant Industry at (402) 471-2394.