The aim of the Noxious Weed program is to control noxious weeds, the non-native aggressive invaders that replace native vegetation, reduce agricultural productivity, cause wind and water erosion and pose an increased threat to communities from wildfire. We do this by preventing the introduction of new invasive species; eradicating species with isolated or limited populations; and containing and managing those invasive species that are well-established...

Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) is a strategy utilized in weed control that emphasizes detecting and controlling new, invasive weeds while the populations are localized and small enough to be eradicated. Costs for EDRR are typically far less than the cost of containing and managing vast populations of weeds.