Sarpy County adopts 2025 noxious weed control plan

Sarpy County commissioners voted to approve and adopt the county’s 2025 noxious weed control plan on Jan. 14, 2025, following a presentation from Noxious Weed Control Superintendent Josh Nelson.

Nelson told the board the plan documents the county’s continuing-education credentials and planned activities under the Nebraska Noxious Weed and Control Act, and serves as the operational roadmap for outreach and control. "Noxious weeds affect agriculture, river systems, wildlife, development and recreation," Nelson said. He described the program as a "melting pot of rivers, highways, cities and other invasive pathways" and said the plan includes notification procedures, customized control recommendations and a watch list of species the county will monitor.

The plan lays out options ranging from mechanical and biological controls to herbicide use and emphasizes landowner coordination and education. Nelson said printed materials are available at the county treasurer’s office, the county clerk’s office and on the county website, and that staff offer on-site consultations to property owners. He also noted that state inspectors visit annually; Nelson told commissioners the state performs spring, summer and fall reviews that may include parcel inspections and the opening of files for any newly detected infestations.

Commissioners discussed grant programs to address river-system invasives such as Phragmites and Nelson said the county participates in an interlocal with the Papio Natural Resources District that helps make state grant funds available to landowners. A motion to approve resolution 2025-12 passed with a 5-0 vote.

The plan will be used as the county’s operational document for 2025; Nelson said the infestation report in the plan is a roadmap for targeting control work rather than a direct measure of program performance.