Public input sought on return of Baker County weed control levy
By Logan Bagett on Wednesday, May 20th, 2026 in Northeastern Oregon News Northeastern Oregon Top Stories
BAKER COUNTY — Officials with the Baker County Weed Board and Noxious Weed District are seeking public input regarding potential future cost-share programs for Baker County landowners.
Department officials note, “Noxious weeds pose a threat to our local communities. They alter our landscapes, close waterways, push out ‘good’ native plant species, and decrease soil stability. They can also negatively impact agriculture production, recreation, wildlife habitat, and livestock habitat.”
For over 20 years, a weed levy was maintained by the Baker County Weed District, which funded the control activities. In 2024 Baker County voters declined the request for four additional years of support. The Weed Board reports, “As a result, this decision effectively halted all support programs after June 30, 2024—including the Cost Share and the Giveaway programs, both of which were widely utilized and valued by Baker County taxpayers.”
With their current operational funding coming from grants and agreements, the board reports they are “…unable to provide assistance across all of Baker County because [the grants/agreements] are limited to specific project sites.”
The Baker County Noxious Weed District reports, “According to Oregon Department of Agriculture, only 25 state listed noxious weeds cost Oregonians $83.5 million annually; however, if left unmanaged could cost Oregonians an estimate of $1.8 billion in economic impact (T.Berg, 2026).”
Residents willing to share their thoughts on the potential for future cost-share weed control programs are invited to complete the brief questionnaire found in the link below:
**Photo from the Baker County Weed Department: “The field on the left was treated by Baker County Weed District and Union County Weed Control staff in 2025 whereas the field on the right was not. One treatment year difference. Both fields will be treated this year; left one will be spot treated for cleanup and right one will be broadcast treated.” **
