The office is located at 444 Cherrycreek Road, Building 'B' south across
the street from the County Extension Office.
What is a noxious weed?
The Director of the Department of Agriculture establishes which non-native
and harmful plants are noxious and the control measures to be used in preventing
their spread.
Are there noxious weeds in Nebraska?
Yes. The following weeds have been officially designated as noxious in
Nebraska: Canada thistle, leafy spurge, musk thistle, plumeless thistle,
spotted and diffuse knapweeds and purple loosestrife.
Who is responsible for controlling noxious weeds?
The Nebraska Noxious Weed Control Act states that it is the duty of each
person who owns or controls land to effectively control noxious weeds on such
land.
Are there noxious weeds in Lancaster County?
Yes, musk thistle, Canada thistle, plumeless thistle, purple loosestrife
and leafy spurge are found in the County.
Are noxious weeds found in the City of Lincoln?
Yes, musk thistle, Canada thistle, purple loosestrife and leafy spurge
are found in the City.
What should I do if I see noxious weeds growing any where in the County
or in the City of Lincoln?
Contact the Weed Control Authority at 441-7817 or submit a complaint by
accessing their homepage at www.lincoln.ne.gov/cnty/weeds. You may also
search the web site to see if there is an active weed inspection on the
complaint property.
What are Weeds & Worthless Vegetation?
The City of Lincoln Municipal Code states "It shall be the duty of every
owner of real estate in the city to cut and clear, or clear, such real estate,
together with one-half of the streets and alleys abutting thereon, of all weeds
or worthless vegetation whenever such weeds or worthless vegetation shall
extend more than six inches above the ground." The Code considers this to be
any uncontrolled or uncultivated growth of vegetation which is a safety and
health hazard. Dandelions and bindweed are not considered a violation of this
ordinance.
Who do I call about non-noxious, overgrown vegetation within the City of
Lincoln?
Calls about non-noxious, overgrown weeds within the City of Lincoln should
be made to the Noxious Weed Control Authority at 441-7817 or submit a complaint
by accessing their homepage at www.lincoln.ne.gov/cnty/weeds. You may also
search the web site to see if there is an active weed inspection on the
complaint property.
May employees of the Noxious Weed Control Authority enter upon private
land without first getting permission from the landowner?
Yes, the Nebraska Noxious Weed Control Act authorizes entry onto private
land for the purpose of inspecting or performing their duty, if reasonable
care is exercised.
How does the Authority determine which properties they are going to
inspect for noxious weeds?
Inspections are made of properties with infestations found in the past,
where it is felt they are needed to assure that control is accomplished. In
addition, all complaint sites and newly observed infestations are inspected.
Over 3,000 sites are inspected each year.
Who pays for noxious weed control?
The persons owning or controlling the land are responsible for funding
weed control work on such land.
Can someone be forced to control noxious weeds?
Failure to comply with written notice given by the control authority is
subject to a fine of up to $1,500, or being billed for control work done.
How can I tell if I have noxious weeds on my property and what can I
do about it?
Check information on weed authority web pages or pick up publications
from the county extension service office. Your county weed superintendent can
identify each noxious weed and will assist you in any needed control measures
that may be required.
Why isn't Marijuana on the noxious weed list?
While the growing and use of Marijuana is not legal, it is not very
competitive with agricultural crops. The illegal growing or use of Marijuana
should be reported to the State Patrol.
Who do I call for non-noxious, overgrown weeds outside the City of
Lincoln?
There is no county-wide ordinance that requires that non-noxious, overgrown
weeds be controlled. You should call whomever owns or controls the land. You
can call The County Engineer at 441-7797 if the overgrowth is on County
roadsides.
What are the control recommendations for the different noxious weeds
and areas?
There are many acceptable control recommendations for the noxious weeds
based upon where the weeds are growing and stage of growth of the weeds. You
may obtain recommendations for your particular situation by contacting the
Noxious Weed Control Authority office at 441-7817 or accessing their homepage.
Are there acceptable biological controls for the noxious weeds?
There are no known biological controls for noxious weeds that will provide
complete control. But they can be used as a part of a long range noxious weed
control program.
Why aren't railroads, county roads and government properties given more
attention by the Noxious Weed Control Authority?
The Noxious Weed Control Authority is addressing noxious weed control on
public lands as well as private lands. We are working with the 20 different
land managers of public property and railroads in Lancaster County. They all
now have acceptable long range noxious weed control plans. The implementation
of these plans is monitored very closely. If acceptable control is not being
obtained, whatever action needed is taken to get acceptable control.
