Flowering poison hemlock, a noxious weed, growing next to a parking lot.

Invasive Species and Noxious Weeds

Invasive species are those that have been introduced to an area from other parts of the world; they have an adverse affect on the habitats they invade economically and/or ecologically. “Invasive” is not a legally defined classification. In comparison, noxious weed is a legally defined term in Washington State. All noxious weeds are invasive species, but not all invasive plant species are categorized as noxious weeds. Noxious weeds are non-native, aggressive and invasive. These species can spread rapidly, damage ecosystems, outcompete native plants, and in some cases threaten infrastructure or public access.

The Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board determines which plants are placed on the Washington State Noxious Weed List (WAC 16-750). The Board adopts a State Noxious Weed List each year, categorizing weeds into three major classes: A, B, and C, according to the threat they pose to the state or a region of the state. Definitions of these classes can be found on the Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board website.

The Whatcom County Noxious Weed Control Board then holds a public hearing to adopt the county list. The Whatcom County noxious weed list is made up of all Class A weeds, Class B-designates, and any selections by the County Board from the Class B or Class C weed list. Any Class A or Class B-designates on the Washington State List are mandatory for adoption and control at the county level.

The City of Bellingham maintains a wide range of public spaces, including roads, sidewalks, trails, stormwater facilities, open spaces, conservation easements, and parks, and part of that responsibility includes managing the vegetation that grows in these areas. Invasive species control methods include:

  • Mechanical (“by hand”) tillage, using plows, disks, or cultivators. Not to be done when plants are flowering or with Japanese Knotweed.
  • Non-chemical methods such as concentrated vinegar.
  • Mowing, hoeing, hand digging and pulling.
  • Mulch, plastic sheeting, and other physical barriers.
  • Natural predators, use of shade, water logging, and vegetative competition.
  • Herbicide use, when necessary.

Herbicide use

When herbicide use is needed, we follow an Herbicide Use Plan that guides how and when to use herbicides to remove unwanted vegetation and support healthy, desirable plants. This plan was developed with support from the Whatcom County Noxious Weed Program is modeled after the Herbicide Program chapter of the Whatcom County Integrated Vegetation Management Plan. All City staff who apply herbicides are licensed by the Washington State Department of Agriculture and receive ongoing training to ensure herbicides are selected and applied safely and effectively. When herbicides are used, applications follow state regulations and all product label requirements, with an emphasis on the lowest effective rate and proper timing and methods.

In parks and restoration areas, we work strategically to reduce or avoid herbicide use when possible, and most of our weed control is done through mechanical removal, mulching, and other non-chemical methods such as concentrated vinegar. However, there are some state-listed noxious weeds that cannot be effectively controlled without targeted herbicide treatment. For certain deep rooted or highly persistent weeds, small, carefully applied amounts of herbicide may be the only reliable way to eliminate the plant and prevent it from spreading. When we do use herbicides, we use them only according to label guidelines, follow all state and federal regulations, and apply them under appropriate conditions by trained and licensed staff.

Weeds on Public Property: If you are concerned about a weed in a public park, open space or streetscape, please contact askpw@cob.org with the location and your concern, or report using SeeClickFix. If you have a photograph it will help us with weed identification and weed management options.

Weeds on Private Property: If you are concerned about a weed on private property, we encourage you to visit the Whatcom County Noxious Weed Program or 360-778-6234 for information on weed identification and management. They maintain the current local Whatcom County noxious weed list and have fact sheets and management guidance for many species. Find additional information on our Manage Weeds Naturally and Backyard Habitat pages.

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