This Integrated Weed Management (IWM) Plan is an update to the county vegetation management policy, last revised prior to 1990, as it relates to noxious weed control. The IWM Plan is intended to be revised annually in response to changing conditions and new technology. It integrates all methods of weed control with the long-term goal of developing naturally sustainable plant communities along County-owned right-of-ways and other County owned properties. The County currently relies heavily on mowing for general vegetation management, which inadvertently causes weed infestations to spread. The IWM Plan would expand the County's toolbox for dealing with the most difficult to control or widespread noxious weeds of public concern. Methods would include promoting native seed mixes and pollinator-friendly forage, developing weed-free rock materials, and implementing targeted use of herbicides in select situations.
The IWM Plan shown here is intended to address the County's obligations for noxious weed control on county-owned lands in an integrated, responsible, and environmentally friendly manner. An IWM plan is necessary to comply with state laws regarding noxious weeds, and to keep County owned lands from being sources of noxious weed seeds for other private and public properties throughout Clallam County. The IWM plan covers not only county roadsides but also rock sources and other Road Department-administered lands.