Nevada Weed Management Association, PO Box 150033, Ely NV 89315
Laws and regulations
The spread of noxious weeds and non-native invasive plant species has substantial environmental and economic impacts in Nevada. As a result, the State has enacted laws requiring the control of noxious weed species: Noxious Weed Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 555 and Noxious Weed Nevada Administrative Code (NAC). Furthermore, cooperation with state, local, and other federal agencies in the application and enforcement of all laws and regulations relating to the management and control of noxious weeds and non-native invasive plant species is required by the federal Noxious Weed Act of 1974, as amended (7 United States Code 2801 et. seq.).
Noxious Weed Control Laws
The State Quarantine Officer conducts the noxious weed program in the manner outlined in NRS 555. The Inspection and Destruction of Noxious Weeds Section of NRS 555 advises that the control of noxious weeds is the responsibility of every landowner or occupant. The following are excerpts from these statutes:
NRS 555.130 - The State Quarantine Officer declares which weeds are noxious to the State.
NRS 555.150 - Every landowner or occupier, whether private, city, county, or federal shall cut, destroy, or eradicate all noxious weeds as required by the State Quarantine Officer.
NRS 555.160 - The State Quarantine Officer shall ascertain the name of the owner or occupant of infested lands. The State Quarantine Officer may serve notice in writing upon the owner or occupant to cut, destroy or eradicate the weeds within such a time and in such a manner as described in the notice.
NRS 555.170 - Should the owner/occupant fail, neglect, or refuse to comply, the State Quarantine Officer may notify the board of county commissioners for the county in which the property is situated. The county board of commissioners shall proceed to have cut, destroyed, or eradicated the weeds in accordance with the initial notice.
NRS 555.180 - Control costs not paid by the owner shall be a lien against the property and shall be collected as provided by the law for the collection of other liens.
NRS 555.202-208 - Provides for the creation of a weed district that would be authorized to undertake the above steps to control weeds designated by the district.
NAC 555.035 - A list of Nevada's weed control districts
NAC 555.010 - A list of Nevada's noxious weeds
Nevada Department of Agriculture Regulatory Program
All noxious weeds in our state are regulated by the Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) Noxious Weed Regulatory Program, the mission of which is to effectively coordinate resources and efforts toward proactive prevention, control and management of invasive weed species in Nevada to benefit all land users in the state. The objective of the noxious weeds regulatory program is to eradicate newly introduced weeds noxious to Nevada or contain or slow the spread of those limitedly established by enforcing the laws set forth in the Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) and Nevada Administrative Code (NAC). Because of the invasiveness and destructive nature of noxious weeds, preventing establishment and spread and controlling those that have become established is essential to protecting Nevada's crops, livestock, public health, wildlife, water quality and beneficial uses of land.