Navajo Noxious Weed Training Program

Navajo Noxious Weed Training Program

Summary

Objectives

There are two primary objectives to this project. One addresses the noxious weed survey and mapping on the Navajo Nation, which this report will address. The other objective is to provide Navajo Nation Natural Resource and other Agency personnel with knowledge and educational materials necessary to competently teach integrated and sustainable noxious weed management at the local communities and schools.

The objectives of the noxious weed survey and mapping on the Navajo Nation are to: compile a listing of exotic invasive plant species on the Navajo Nation with the assistance of the Navajo Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Area Office Natural Resources; and do a field survey of the selected species on primary and secondary roads on Navajo Nation to locate and get coordinates using Global Positioning System (GPS) to be entered into a database with the Southwest Exotic Plant Mapping Program in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Abstract

Noxious weeds are undesirable plants that potentially impact the natural environment and have harmful effects on agricultural and livestock industries on the Navajo Nation. Non-native noxious weeds are spreading throughout the Navajo Nation at such an alarming rate that native plant communities are threatened. Unacceptable levels adversely affect crop and forage production, livestock industries, wildlife habitat, visual quality recreation opportunities and land values. In the last 10 to 15 years the Navajo Nation experienced the encroachment of numerous exotic plant species. Major exotic species had been compiled for inventory and mapping. The need for the noxious weed management problem must be addressed at the chapter level, the local unit of government. Noxious weed education awareness needs to be presented to the agricultural producers and land owners at these public meetings. The need to restore the Navajo Nation to a healthy state must also be taught to our children by establishing a conservation curriculum in the schools. But before that happens there is a need to identify, compile and categorize, survey, locate, find coordinates (using GPS) and develop a database of the species. At the same time, we need to collect noxious weeds at various growth stages and mount them for distribution to chapters and schools.

With the assistance of BIA Natural Resources, a list of 34 invasive species has been compiled. These weeds are listed as major concerns to the Navajo Nation if not controlled. The Conservation Aid has collected and made 449 targeted noxious weed mounts at various growth stages, which were distributed to chapters and schools.

Potential Benefits

Even though the first part of the project mostly deals with surveying and mapping of noxious weeds on the Navajo Nation, the potential benefits are tremendous. The outreach education and information provided by Navajo RC&D is setting the stage for further discussion, involvement and plans to control the numerous species that have already taken over prime grazing and farmlands. The educational effort may also prevent the threat of new exotic species.

Impacts on Agricultural Professionals

The noxious weed survey and mapping raised the awareness of agricultural personnel about the extent of noxious weed progression on Navajo land.

Future Recommendations or New Hypotheses

There are several recommendations that need to be explored aside from continued education and information outreach.
1. The Navajo Nation needs to become actively involved in addressing the seriousness of the problem of noxious weeds. The Nation needs to partner with countries, and state and federal representatives on noxious weed activities, and provide leadership and cost share assistance.
2. The Navajo Soil and Water Conservation District and Navajo Nation need to partner on the development of weed districts on the Navajo Nation.
3. The Navajo Nation government needs to pass legislation and enforce strict laws on the import of weed-free alfalfa, hay and other means of importation of exotic plant species to the Navajo Nation.

This summary was prepared by the project coordinator for the 2000 reporting cycle.

Collaborators: