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By Ramona Frances

The most accepted definition of a weed is any plant growing where it is not wanted. Weeds are typically thought of as a plants that hinder the growth of cultivated plants such as crops or garden plants.

They may also be thought of as something that contaminates pastures used for grazing livestock.

Madera County has its share of weeds that are not farmer friendly.

Information dispersed by the United States Department of Agriculture in collaboration with the Sierra-San Joaquin Noxious Weed Alliance lists the top ten noxious weeds for Madera, Mariposa and Fresno Counties: Scotch Broom, Spanish Broom, St. Johnswort, Arundo (Giant Reed) Perennial Pepperweed, Himalayan Blackberry, Yellow Starthistle, Spotted and Diffuse Knapweed, Bull Thistle and Italian Thistle.

Descriptions of each plant, the plants place of origin, and its picture identification are available to the public. Several noxious weeds are still sold as ornamental plants in nurseries, farmers markets, and in seed catalogs.

An informative brochure is available to the public by funding from Sierra-San Joaquin Noxious Weed Alliance.

The brochure encourages the public to prevent the spreading of noxious weeds by driving only on established roads and trails. When using horses or pack animals, carry only feed that is certified weed-free. Remove weed seeds from pack, stock and domestic animal coats, hooves and paws. Check camping gear for weed seeds. If a noxious weed-infested area is discovered, let the landowner or land management agency know so they can take steps to control the infestation.

Using certified weed-free hay and stay is another way to prevent the spread of unwanted weeds. People unwittingly start new infestations by feeding contaminated hay or using contaminated straw for erosion control.

The impact of noxious weeds can crowd out native plants by competing with them for water, light and nutrients. They can cause injury and discomfort to hikers, anglers, hunters and whitewater rafters because of painful spines. They can decrease the quality and quantity of fish, wildlife and native plants, including rare and endangered species.

They can also increase erosion and runoff. They can lower property values, crowd out desirable forage plants for livestock and wildlife, including game species.

Weeds can cause illness, injury and sometimes death in wildlife and livestock. They can reduce the success of reforestation in productive timberlands.

The Sierra-San Joaquin Noxious Weed Alliance is a weed management area for Madera, Mariposa, and Fresno Counties. The Weed Alliance is made up of more than 20 agencies and groups working together to combat noxious weeds.

For more information visit www.cdfa.ca.gove/wma or call your local ag commissioner.

Ramona Frances Ramona Frances is a staff columnist, writer and photographer for the Madera Tribune. You may contact Ramona at 674.8134 ext. 222 or by e-mail ramona (at) maderatribune.net The Madera Tribune online subscription To subscribe or log on, CLICK HERE. For more information first, CLICK HERE.