The USDA Forest Service’s Northern Region has imposed new restrictions on the possession and use of forage and mulch products on National Forest System lands in order to help curb the spread of noxious weeds.
As of Oct. 8, it is illegal to possess, store or transport straw, hay, grain, seed or other forage or mulch products on Forest Service lands without documentation that the product is certified as “weed free” by a state certification process that meets or exceeds the North American Weed Free Forage standards. The order remains in effect until Aug. 31, 2022.
In addition, tags, twine or other weed free certification marking must be displayed and visible on all individual bales, containers, sacks, etc., as required by the product’s state of origin.
The following persons are exempt from the prohibitions:
• Persons with a special use authorization or other Forest Service authorization that specifically exempts them from the restrictions.
• Any Federal, State or Local Law Enforcement Officer or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
• Persons transporting forage or mulch products across restricted areas without unloading or using the products on National Forest System lands, roads or trails. Region 1 Press Officer Daniel Hottle clarified that as long as those transporting these products are not stopping on Forest Service land they will not be cited.
Violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months or both.
More information about weed free certification standards can be found at https://www.naisma.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/NAISMA-WFF-Minimum-Standards-Final4-16-20.pdf.
Reader Comments(0)