I am writing out of concern for our safety and for the organic practice on our farm. I understand the need for noxious weed control. I understand the need to ensure that people’s no spray signs are current.
I do not understand the vicious, unwarranted and wasteful methods now employed by the county weed control office.
We never received notice of the new regulations stating that our home made “no spray” signs are now useless. In the first week in May, before the weeds were even growing, we encountered the Montezuma County weed spray truck coming down our road.
My husband pointed out our no spray sign and the driver said it was no longer valid, and that the county now requires an official sign. We convinced him not to spray our organic farm that day, with the understanding that we would obtain an official sign as soon as possible.
We got an application for an official county-issued no spray sign. We have been reluctant to sign it due to the fact that the contract states that the county is not liable for any mistakes that the driver makes, or for any unintended consequences of the application of herbicides.
The aggressive language of the agreement is both unfair and unnecessary. A simple form stating the date, name and address of the property requesting an official no spray sign would have been sufficient.
The current practices of the weed control program are non-transparent and illogical considering the lack of notice to property owners, the time of year, and the environmental conditions at the time of the application of herbicides.
Please reconsider the approach being taken by the county in its efforts to control noxious weeds on the roadsides. We farmers understand very well the threats posed by noxious weeds and are happy to assist in their control, but not at the expense of our health and safety.
Laurie Hall
Mancos