Tackling Noxious Weeds Together

July 2025 | Eric Jennings, Lawrence County Commissioner Opinion Editorial, Black Hills Pioneer

 I was once asked during a pasture management presentation to name my favorite plant. Of all the options of grass, forb, shrub, tree, etc. to pick from, I was at a complete loss to choose a favorite. I mentioned some grass species I see often in my pastures, but I didn’t impress anyone with my answer. Now that I’ve had time to think about it, I can say with confidence that my favorite plant is a dead thistle. I realize that doesn’t sound very positive, but as someone who has the task of controlling noxious weeds, it brings me joy to see them dead.  

Not all weeds are identified as noxious. State and local governments are granted the authority to classify a limited number of weeds as being noxious. Noxious weeds are particularly invasive and threatening to the local plant community. An example of a noxious weed in Lawrence County is the Canada Thistle, it is in all parts of the county and spreads easily. An example of a weed not classified as noxious is the dandelion. We don’t like them in our lawns, but they are not particularly threatening to the plant community.  Weeds don’t respect property lines. I spend many hours each year controlling weeds because I have seen how they can take over a plant community and negatively impact adjacent landowners when left uncontrolled. Controlling weeds on your property is more than just responsible landownership, it is also the law. In a nutshell, under South Dakota law, landowners are required to control the noxious weeds on their property. If noxious weeds aren’t controlled, the county is permitted to enter the property to control the weeds at the landowner’s expense. State law also permits neighboring landowners to seek compensation from their neighbors if noxious weeds infest their property. While the county has the legal authority to enforce the noxious weed laws, their preference is to work with landowners to educate them on how to identify various weed species and select the best control measures including mowing, digging up, treating chemically or biologically. The Lawrence County Weed Supervisor is available to answer any questions you may have about weed control. The county does not compete with private companies and only controls weed infestations on private property in enforcement situations, but the Weed Supervisor is able to recommend commercial contractors for hire if you choose not to do it yourself.   

Responsibility comes with land ownership whether you are an ag producer, commercial property owner, or have a few acres in the country. Voluntarily accepting those responsibilities by controlling weeds makes for good neighbors and improves the quality of life and land for us all.