Cheap but Not Easy

What’s free but costs millions? The answer is noxious and invasive weeds that infest both public and private lands. USU researcher Steve Dewey says people tend to think of weeds as only an agricultural problem, but they actually impact everyone. Costly to control, weeds cause erosion and degrade rangelands, harm livestock and wildlife, and even pose a public health risk.

From “Riddle campaign aims to increase awareness of weeds,” by Heidi Toth, Daily Herald, April 29, 2006. For more information, contact Steven Dewey, professor, Plants, Soils and Biometeorology Department, College of Agriculture, and Extension weed specialist, Utah State University, 435-797-2256. Visit the Utah Weed Awareness Campaign Web site.