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Weed Control Authority

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1. Where is the Weed Control Authority located?

The office is located at 444 Cherrycreek Road, Building B south across the street from the County Extension Office.

2. What is a noxious weed?

The Director of the Department of Agriculture establishes which non-native and harmful plants are noxious and the control measures to be used in preventing their spread.

3. Are there noxious weeds in Nebraska?

Yes. The following weeds have been officially designated as noxious in Nebraska: 

• Canada Thistle
• Knotweed (Japanese and Giant, including any cultivars and hybrids)
• Leafy Spurge
• Musk Thistle
• Phragmites
• Plumeless Thistle
• Purple Loosestrife
• Saltcedar
• Spotted and Diffuse Knapweeds

4. Who is responsible for controlling noxious weeds?

The Nebraska Noxious Weed Control Act states that it is the duty of each person who owns or controls land to effectively control noxious weeds on such land.

5. Are there noxious weeds in Lancaster County?

Yes, the following are found in the County: 

• Canada Thistle
• Japanese Knotweed
• Leafy Spurge
• Musk Thistle
• Phragmites
• Plumeless Thistle
• Purple Loosestrife
• Saltcedar

6. Are noxious weeds found in the City of Lincoln?

Yes, the following are found in the City:

• Canada Thistle
• Japanese Knotweed
• Leafy Spurge
• Musk Thistle
• Phragmites
• Purple Loosestrife
• Saltcedar

7. What should I do if I see noxious weeds growing any where in the County or in the City of Lincoln?

Contact the Weed Control Authority at 402-441-7817 or submit a complaint. You may also search the website to see if there is an active weed inspection on the complaint property.

8. What are Weeds and Worthless Vegetation?

The City of Lincoln Municipal Code states It shall be the duty of every owner of real estate in the city to cut and clear, or clear, such real estate, together with one-half of the streets and alleys abutting thereon, of all weeds or worthless vegetation whenever such weeds or worthless vegetation shall extend more than six inches above the ground. The Code considers this to be any uncontrolled or uncultivated growth of vegetation which is a safety and health hazard. Dandelions and bindweed are not considered a violation of this ordinance.

9. Who do I call about non-noxious, overgrown vegetation within the City of Lincoln?

Calls about non-noxious, overgrown weeds within the City of Lincoln should be made to the Noxious Weed Control Authority at 402-441-7817 or submit a complaint. You may also search the website to see if there is an active weed inspection on the complaint property or email the Weed Control Authority.

10. May employees of the Noxious Weed Control Authority enter upon private land without first getting permission from the landowner?

Yes, the Nebraska Noxious Weed Control Act authorizes entry onto private land for the purpose of inspecting or performing their duty, if reasonable care is exercised.

11. How does the Authority determine which properties they are going to inspect for noxious weeds?

Inspections are made of properties with infestations found in the past, where it is felt they are needed to assure that control is accomplished. In addition, all complaint sites and newly observed infestations are inspected. Over 3,000 sites are inspected each year.

12. Who pays for noxious weed control?

The persons owning or controlling the land are responsible for funding weed control work on such land.

13. Can someone be forced to control noxious weeds?

Failure to comply with written notice given by the control authority is subject to a fine of up to $1,500, or being billed for control work done.

14. How can I tell if I have noxious weeds on my property and what can I do about it?

Check the information on weed authority pages or pick up publications from the county extension service office. Your county weed superintendent can identify each noxious weed and will assist you in any needed control measures that may be required.

15. Why isn't Marijuana on the noxious weed list?

While the growing and use of Marijuana is not legal, it is not very competitive with agricultural crops. The illegal growing or use of Marijuana should be reported to the State Patrol.

16. Who do I call for non-noxious, overgrown weeds outside the City of Lincoln?

There is no county-wide ordinance that requires that non-noxious, overgrown weeds be controlled. You should call whoever owns or controls the land. You can call the County Engineer at 402-441-7797 if the overgrowth is on County roadsides.

17. What are the control recommendations for the different noxious weeds and areas?

There are many acceptable control recommendations for the noxious weeds based upon where the weeds are growing and stage of growth of the weeds. You may obtain recommendations for your particular situation by contacting the Noxious Weed Control Authority office at 402-441-7817.

18. Are there acceptable biological controls for the noxious weeds?

There are no known biological controls for noxious weeds that will provide complete control. But they can be used as a part of a long-range noxious weed control program.

19. Why aren't railroads, county roads and government properties given more attention by the Noxious Weed Control Authority?

The Noxious Weed Control Authority is addressing noxious weed control on public lands as well as private lands. We are working with the 20 different land managers of public property and railroads in Lancaster County. They all now have acceptable long-range noxious weed control plans. The implementation of these plans is monitored very closely. If acceptable control is not being obtained, whatever action needed is taken to get acceptable control.