Colorado Noxious Weed Act Mandates Statewide Control

CRS Title 35, Article 5.5 establishes the Colorado Department of Agriculture's authority to designate List A (must eradicate), List B (must contain or stop spread), and List C (recommended management) noxious weed species. Each county and municipality must adopt a weed management plan consistent with state rules and may inspect properties, issue notices, and force compliance. Although local governments tailor enforcement, they cannot opt out of List A eradication mandates. The Act preempts conflicting weaker local rules but allows stricter local lists and enforcement procedures.

Failure to comply with a county weed notice can result in forced abatement at the owner's expense, plus civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation per day under CRS 35-5.5-119.