FY26 budget book final

WASHINGTON COUNTY APPROVED BUDGET

FY 2026

Weed Control – Department 12400

Contact: Lane Heimer

The Washington County Weed Control Program is charged with assisting private and public landowners in Washington County in the management of noxious weeds to comply with Maryland Department of Agriculture enforcing the Maryland Noxious Weed Law (Title 9, Subtitle 4).

Department Description/Function

This is a cooperative program with the Maryland Department of Agriculture, Plant Protection and Weed Management Section. The function is to assist farmers, landowners, businesses, and government agencies in the control of noxious and invasive weeds and enable agencies to comply with Maryland Noxious Weed law.

Goals Fiscal Year 2026

 To increase the Weed Control presence in the County by increasing contact and inspection through hiring new personnel and to continue the progress made by the program in controlling noxious and invasive weeds.  To provide the highest quality technical, advisory, and control services to all residents of Washington County by training and accrediting all new personnel and developing continuing education guidelines for all employees.  To provide additional spray services to constituents with new types of application equipment.  To benefit the community through increased productivity of agricultural properties and improve aesthetics of the land.  Reduce the use of herbicides by targeted control and managing weeds before they can spread.

Accomplishments Fiscal Year 2025

 Sent pre-season advisory letters to landowners and land managers on the updated Weed Control database.  Assisted Maryland Department of Natural Resources with weed control services on tree plantings associated with Maryland’s Five Million Tree initiative.  Purchased new sprayers which were loaned to assist landowners and farmers in their control of noxious weeds.  Improved equipment to more efficiently control noxious weeds.

Key Data

FY2023 Actual

FY2024 Actual

FY2025 Estimated

FY2026 Projected

Programs/Services Provided

296

286

300

325

Noxious Weed Control Advisory Notices Sent

415

286

350

400

Properties Assisted with a Weed Management Plan

8,976

9,492

10,000

10,000

Hours dedicated to Noxious & Invasive Weed Control

2026 Budget Document

136

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