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County considers new approach to eastern red cedar control, proposes stakeholder task force
Summary
In a work session, county staff and outside counsel described ecological and agricultural harms from eastern red cedar and proposed options ranging from a task force to classify cedars as invasive — with commissioners expressing concern about enforcement implications of a noxious‑weed designation.
Will Johnson, County Administrator, and attorney Tim Connell led a work session on eastern red cedar management. Connell described cedar impacts in Kansas — seed spread, high water use, forage loss and increased wildfire risk — and urged policy action to protect tallgrass prairie and agricultural productivity. Connell asked the County to consider discouraging new shelterbelts unless male trees can be identified, classifying cedars as a noxious weed, and exploring whether heavily infested property should retain agricultural classification.
Commissioner Darren Jackson said he agreed cedars are a problem but cautioned that a noxious‑weed designation carries statutory control and eradication requirements that would have enforcement and cost implications; he suggested considering an "invasive" designation instead. Administrator Johnson proposed forming a stakeholder task force involving Noxious Weeds, landowners, Kansas Forest Service and Extension, and aimed to return recommendations in approximately 30 days. No formal action was taken.
