Programs & Services

Let's Get Started!

Weed Board staff demonstrating calibration using backpack sprayer

Flowering Rush identification in Pend Oreille River

Discussing product amount and need for adjustment of spray nozzle

analyzing viability of bio control for distribution

Weed Board Inspector using Backpack sprayer to treat Canda Thistle & Reed Canarygrass

Razer Rake available for rent through the Weed Board

Weed Rake available to rent through the Weed Board

Weed Cutter available to rent through the Weed Board

The Pend Oreille County Weed Board is charged by Washington state law with the cooperative control and management of noxious weeds. Through education, outreach and management measures, the board protects the Pend Oreille County ecosystem for everyone’s use and economic benefit.

If you have any questions about our programs & services, contact us! We'd be happy to discuss offerings and upcoming opportunities with you. Weed Board offices are open and personnel in office available for consultation Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday, 8 a.m. -4:30 p.m.

What is the NCS Program?

This program provides landowners with an opportunity to manage their weeds more cost-effectively. Landowners are encouraged to join forces with at least one other Pend Oreille County resident in developing and carrying out a weed management program.

This program is available for weeds on land and in the water. Applications are accepted annually, from March through April, and funds are limited, so it is first-come, first-served. Approved proposals are eligible for 50% cost-sharing, capped at $500 per group and $200 per individual. Payment made by check is preferred; however, cash is also accepted. Eligible costs for sharing include applying weed-prevention principles, using biocontrol agents, fertilizing, seeding or planting competitive vegetation, mulching, mowing, digging, or applying herbicides.

Applications are due mid-April every year (2026: April 23).

To get your application early, plan on attending our annual...

Neighborhood Cost Share Workshop

Held every March, this is a free weed seminar with you in mind!

Expert speakers & engaging presentations,
Optional Lunch & Door Prizes galore,
Early access to Cost Share applications & other resources,

Prepare to tackle your pesky weeds in pastures, forests, and the garden, this Spring!

2026 Cost Share Presentation PowerPoints:

2025 Cost Share Presentation Videos & PowerPoints:

2024 Cost Share Presentation Videos & PowerPoints:

2023 Cost Share Presentation Videos

Download Past NCS Workshop PowerPoints

Removing a small population of a noxious weed before it’s allowed to spread across the landscape saves a lot of time and money into the future. We offer cost-share management practices at 50%, for any noxious weed on our class A or class B designate list, and priority weeds on our class B and C lists. If we perform the work, our minimum charge is $25.00.

Landowners with documented active and/or history of a class A or B noxious weed will receive a Mandatory Inspection Notice & Cost Share Agreement form in the mail, generally early April.

Slide in Sprayer in back of pickup truck

We rent 4-gallon backpack sprayers, 100-gallon slip-in power sprayers that fit into a pick-up truck bed, and aquatic weed tools for non-herbicide control. Weed Board staff helps landowners in developing and implementing a weed management plan, including calculating the amount of herbicide needed and/or demonstrate operation of our rental equipment. We can also help landowners identify noxious weeds and provide pictures and other information about the weeds for a successful weed management plan execution!

100-gallon Slip-In Sprayer: $40/day + Deposit

4-gallon Backpack Sprayer: $5/day + Deposit (battery powered + pump action)

Aquatic Weed Removal Tools: FREE with a deposit

Weed Rake: 40" rake head with 9" tines can be thrown or dragged under water and/or on top of water to rake, skim and pitchfork weeds for removal and disposal. Comes with detachable 7ft handle and float kit.

Razer Rake: 36" collapsible rake head with 4" tines designed to dig deep, cut weeds and roots, and stir up the muck. Can be used submersed or on surface of water. Comes with 9ft handle, a 25ft rope for throwing, and a detachable float kit.

Weed Cutter: up to 49" V-shaped razor blades designed to be thrown into water, then "jerked" back to shore. With each jerk, weeds are cut at their base. Follow up use with Weed Rake for weed removal and disposal. (3 weed cutter models available)

Beach Roller: 24" roller with stainless steel blades that manually cuts weeds, rips the roots out, and stirs up the muck. Weighs less than 25lbs, with 12-20ft handle; requires manual removal of weed debris from water after use. (2 beach roller models available)

Use Nature to Help Manage Noxious Weeds

Biological control, or biocontrol, uses carefully selected insects to help reduce populations of invasive noxious weeds. The insects will not eliminate an infestation, but they can help reduce weed density, limit seed production and spread, and provide long-term pressure on established populations.

The Pend Oreille County Weed Board currently offers biocontrol agents for several common noxious weeds:

🪲 Dalmatian Toadflax

Stem-boring weevil (Mecinus janthinus)
This weevil attacks the stems of Dalmatian toadflax, helping reduce the plant's growth and ability to compete.

🪲 Spotted Knapweed

Blunt flower-head weevil (Larinus obtusus)
This weevil feeds on spotted knapweed flower heads, helping reduce seed production and the plant's ability to spread.

🪲 St. Johnswort

St. Johnswort beetles (Chrysolina quadrigemina and Chrysolina hyperici)
These beetles feed on the stems and flowers of St. Johnswort, helping reduce plant vigor and reproduction.

A Long-Term Weed Management Tool

Biocontrol works best as one part of an Integrated Weed Management Plan. It can be especially useful for large or difficult-to-access infestations, areas where herbicide use is not desirable or practical, and long-term maintenance of established weed populations.

Results take time. Biocontrol agents need time to establish and build their populations, and it may take several years before you see a significant reduction in weeds. Even when the insects are established, continued monitoring and other management practices may still be necessary.

Work With Us

The Weed Board can help landowners determine whether biocontrol may be appropriate for their property. Procurement, release, and monitoring of biocontrol agents are supported through grant funding and are offered at no cost to eligible landowners.

Why would I want to be a licensed applicator?

Being licensed in Washington to apply herbicide or other pesticides helps ensure chemical controls are used safely for sake of yourself and neighbors, domesticated animals and wildlife, desirable plant life and aquatic resources. Applicators, licensed or not should be able to read and understand pesticide labels, recognize common pests, properly apply, store and dispose of pesticides, and maintain legal requirements per recordkeeping and containment. In some cases, WSDA licenses allow landowners to purchase Restricted-Use herbicides for complex weed control.

WSDA Licenses require recertification every 1-5 years. Recertification credits can be acquired through professional development and training opportunities. Check out the POC Weed Board Events & Engagement page for upcoming events that may qualify for WSDA Recertification Credits!

Learn more: https://agr.wa.gov/services/licenses-permits-and-certificates/pesticide-license-and-recertification/pesticide-and-spi-licensing

Build Healthy Vegetation. Crowd Out Weeds.

The Pend Oreille County Weed Board is now offering grass seed for sale to Pend Oreille County residents through our Cost-Share Program. Seed is sold at cost, including the cost of purchasing and shipping it to Pend Oreille County.

Establishing healthy, competitive vegetation is an important part of long-term noxious weed management. Planting desirable grasses and other vegetation helps fill open ground, compete with weeds for sunlight, water, nutrients, and space, and reduce opportunities for new infestations to become established.

Adding competitive vegetation to your property is a cultural control strategy that can be an important part of an Integrated Weed Management Plan.

Choose the Right Seed Mix

We offer four seed mixes designed for different property types and management goals.

🌾 Dryland Pasture Mix

A blend designed for establishing competitive vegetation in dryland pasture and grazing areas.

Mix:

25% Tall Fawn Fescue
20% Meadow Brome
20% Intermediate Wheatgrass
15% Perennial Ryegrass
10% Orchardgrass
10% Climax Timothy

Broadcast Seeding Rate: 25 lbs. per acre

🌱 Premium Turf Mix

A blend designed for establishing a quality turfgrass stand for lawns and other maintained areas.

Mix:

55% Perennial Ryegrass
30% Creeping Red Fescue
20% Kentucky Bluegrass

Broadcast Seeding Rate: 5–7 lbs. per 1,000 square feet

Please note: Mix percentages will be updated once the final blend percentages are confirmed.

🌿 Habitat & Weed Competitor Mix

A diverse grass mix designed to establish competitive vegetation while providing habitat benefits and helping occupy open ground where weeds can become established.

Mix:

25% Blue Wildrye
25% Mountain Brome
20% Perennial Ryegrass
15% Idaho Fescue
15% Bluebunch Wheatgrass

Broadcast Seeding Rate: 15–18 lbs. per acre

🌲 Forest Mix

A diverse grass and legume blend designed for establishing vegetation in forested areas.

Mix:

25% Meadow Brome
25% Orchardgrass
20% Perennial Ryegrass
15% Kentucky Bluegrass
5% Ladak Alfalfa
5% Red Clover
5% White Clover

Broadcast Seeding Rate: 25 lbs. per acre

Why Plant Competitive Vegetation?

Bare or disturbed ground creates an opportunity for noxious weeds to take hold. Establishing desirable vegetation helps fill that space and allows beneficial plants to compete with weeds for the resources they need to grow.

Seed establishment can be used alongside other weed management practices such as mowing, grazing, hand pulling, and herbicide applications. A healthy stand of desirable vegetation won't eliminate every weed, but it can make it harder for weeds to establish and spread.

Seed is available in 5-pound and 25-pound bags and is sold at the Weed Board's cost.

For current pricing, availability, or help choosing the right mix for your property, contact the Pend Oreille County Weed Board.

Programs & Services

Let's Get Started!