County staff warns Amur honeysuckle designation will strain resources; asks for guidance

Riley County's Noxious Weed and HHW staff told commissioners Dec. 4 that Amur honeysuckle — an invasive, woody shrub present in many county ditches and draws — is expected to be listed as a Class C noxious weed in Kansas in spring 2026, and that the county will face requests from residents to address infestations.

Mike Bowler, Noxious Weed/HHW staff, said he successfully argued to have the plant designated Class C (which requires counties to contain populations rather than mount an expensive countywide eradication) and warned that the practical work of cutting and treating dense honeysuckle would be costly. "The state requires us just to kill it," Bowler said, adding that dead biomass from woody shrubs still leaves standing dead material that requires removal, which dramatically raises cost and labor needs.

Bowler said Riley County has extensive infestations in urban draws (for example, Stag Hill) and parks and that aggressive treatment could shift the weed department's role toward forestry-level work rather than conventional weed control. He asked commissioners for guidance on the level of aggressiveness the county should take, noting staff and budget constraints. He also flagged rising costs for hazardous/household hazardous waste (HHW) disposal nationally and locally and described planned recycling/trailer events and coordination with neighboring counties.

Commissioners asked for return recommendations and suggested staff place the item on a future agenda for detailed policy and budget guidance.

Reported facts and staff requests are based on the Noxious Weed/HHW staff update presented in the meeting.