Noxious‑weed petitions debated; Turkish thistle moved from rapid‑response listing to controlled category

The committee reviewed petitions to add two species to Idaho’s noxious‑weed list and approved several clarifying edits to the noxious‑weed rules (docket 020609‑2402). Andrea Thompson, administrator of the Plant Industries Division, presented outcomes of negotiated rule‑making meetings that considered petitions to list Palmer amaranth (an agronomic weed) and myrtle spurge (an ornamental species). Thompson said meetings were well attended by stakeholders, including petitioners, county weed superintendents, seed producers and members of the Weed Control Association, but no consensus emerged to add either species to the proposed rule.

Thompson said department staff identified a missed edit from the 2023 rule‑making (an Early Detection Rapid Response definition) and proposed language to fix that omission. The department also proposed moving Turkish thistle from the Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) table to the “control” category after stakeholders reported it is more widespread than previously believed; changing the category reflects the department’s view that control (rather than same‑season eradication) is more feasible and allows more time for suppression efforts. Public comments on the Turkish thistle change were recorded as generally supportive or neutral.

Representative Andrews (chairing a motion) moved approval of the docket number as presented; the committee approved the docket by voice vote.

Ending: The department said it will continue outreach and coordination with counties and local weed districts on detection and control priorities.