The City of Aspen’s Vegetation Management Program works to maintain healthy, resilient landscapes across public lands, open spaces, and developed areas. The program addresses noxious species, invasive species, native vegetation health, and site-specific management needs through monitoring, targeted treatment, restoration, and long-term planning. These efforts help protect wildlife habitat, reduce the spread of invasive plants, and support safe, functional, and sustainable landscapes.
What is a noxious weed?
The term "Noxious Weed" is a designation given to a plant that is non-native to North America and has aggressive, invasive tendencies, giving it the potential for serious economic, agricultural, and/or ecological damage. For more information on noxious weed identification and more, visit the Colorado Department of Agriculture link below:
How can I help prevent the spread of noxious weeds?
- Learn to identify the plants in the areas where you live and work.
- Manage noxious weeds on your property and talk with neighbors about shared concerns.
- Minimize activities that disturb soil or established vegetation.
- Avoid overgrazing and maintain healthy plant cover.
- Re-vegetate disturbed areas with native plants.
- Use certified weed-free forage, seed, soil, gravel, and mulch whenever possible.
- Use integrated pest management (IPM) techniques to ensure safe and effective weed control.
- Use native or site-appropriate seed mixes for landscaping.
- Practice good land management, including proper irrigation, fertilization, erosion control, and routine maintenance.
- Report new or unusual noxious weed infestations to the City or County so they can be addressed early.
What is the Colorado Noxious Weed Act?
Colorado law requires local governments to manage designated noxious weeds that threaten the environmental and economic health of the land. These requirements apply to both public and private property. Learn more about Noxious Weed Management in Colorado on the Department of Agriculture website.
The City of Aspen fulfills this responsibility through a comprehensive noxious vegetation management program designed to reclaim infested areas, protect intact ecosystems, and reduce long-term impacts from invasive plants. Learn more about our Noxious Vegetation Management Plan.
What if my neighbors don't control noxious weeds on their property?
Weeds do not recognize property boundaries. They spread easily by wind, water, animals, and vehicles, moving across fence lines, along ditches, and between properties. Managing noxious weeds is a shared responsibility, and early action helps prevent small problems from becoming larger ones.
Many infestations persist simply because landowners are unaware of their responsibilities. In most cases, the first step is letting a neighbor know about a weed issue on their property and that management is required under Colorado, Pitkin County, and City of Aspen regulations.
The City of Aspen and Pitkin County prioritize cooperation and education over enforcement. Most landowners take appropriate action once they understand the issue and the available options. Staff are available to help identify noxious weeds and work with landowners to develop an effective and practical weed management plan.