Essential Equipment: Weed Free Feed

New regulation requires certified weed-free hay in the Pacific Northwest Region

by Janie McQueen

There is a new regulation for livestock owners that could cost you money if you’re not careful. USDA Forest Service Rangers are given full authority to hand out citations for non-compliance. There is no talking your way out of this one, folks!

The entire Pacific Northwest National Forest region is affected by this federal regulation. It follows a 2007 requirement for weed-free feed to be used in all the Pacific Northwest Wilderness areas. This federal mandate goes beyond just the trailheads and covers every square inch of National Forest land. That means if you even have a tire parked on National Forest land and don’t have any certification, you could be ticketed and receive a monetary fine.

I, personally, will carry only certified weed-free hay and heat-processed pellets, just in case! Here are a few of the rules with which we must comply and points to consider:

1. The new requirement states that all hay, cubed hay, straw, mulch and other feed or fodder products used or stored on USDA Pacific Northwest National Forest land be free of weed seeds. Even if the new signs aren’t posted yet, officials can still cite you.
2. If you’re just driving through and not stopping or feeding on National Forest land, this does not apply.
3. With the purchase of certified weed-free bales of hay, you will receive a certification paper for your dashboard. There is a NAWMA (North American Weed Management Association) tag permanently placed on color-coded baling twine. This certification is done at the farm that produces the hay because the fields in which it’s grown are inspected. Make sure all the hay in your rig is certified weed-free.
4. The hay/feed products that are not allowed are all non-certified weed-free feed products. That does not include any heat processed (commercial) pellets or steam-rolled grains. They are considered weed-free and do not require certification. However, hay cubes are not allowed unless you purchased them outside Oregon and Washington (which do not have them) and they are certified weed-free.
5. All certified weed-free feed is acceptable and need not be from the state in which you are visiting National Forest lands. That means you must still have the appropriate tags with official labeling or twine. No hay or crop products coming from a state without a certification program meeting NAWMA standards can be used.
6. If you need certified weed-free hay, ask your local feed store to order it for you or talk to your local BCH chapter. Otherwise, take only pellets for feed.
7. The cost of certified weed-free hay or straw products can be somewhat higher than standard feeds, and the price may vary by location and availability.

Citation Fee Amounts

This federal mandate was issued and actually began on January 1, 2009. For this first year, a small amount of leniency will be granted. But, the fines can legally reach a maximum of $5,000 for an individual and $10,000 for a group. Just in the Wenatchee-Okanogan National Forest citations are expected to be issued, and according to officials, the monetary amount is up to each ranger. Most likely, for the first year, tickets will be issued for up to $300, but that isn’t carved in stone.

Why Now?

The USDA Forest Service has been monitoring noxious and toxic weeds for many years. It is a fact that many noxious weeds are brought in because of livestock feeding on hay. “There is a lot of noxious weed growth alongside the trails,” says Viva Worthington, a plant biologist for the National Forest, “and it’s especially noticeable where people camp with their horses.”

The forestry service also asks that horse owners give their critters the weed-free feed a day or two before they enter the forestry land. That will ensure that any manure is free of weeds. It takes at least a day to work through a horse's system.

Kim Larned, a National Forest Officer with the Cle Elum Ranger District, says that because of the program’s relative newness, the availability of certified weed-free hay is not as prevalent in Washington as Oregon. The spread and growth of noxious weeds is rampant and the seeds can be spread by tires and boots, so when traveling it’s important to make sure all your feed is certified weed-free. Even if you’re going to other states with National Forest land, take the weed-free hay and use it - you’re better safe than sorry.

Color-coded Baling Twine:

Certification labels are white for Oregon, Washington and Idaho and the twine is purple and yellow.

Montana has red labels (tags), blue and orange twine, blaze-orange labels on bags.

California has colored twine and tags, product certificate, and transit certificates.

Colorado has blue and orange twine.

Wyoming has blaze-orange tags, purple and yellow twine.

About the Author:

Janie McQueen is a freelance reporter/photographer for the NKC Tribune and Cascades Mountain-Echo. After moving to the Central Cascade Mountains 25 years ago, Janie fulfilled her childhood dream of becoming a horse owner and rider. Her property borders the Wenatchee National Forest, so riding became a daily pleasure.

Over the years, Janie’s writing became specialized about trails and everything related to horses, though she writes about many subjects. Her favorite monthly column is called Trailmix (Cascades Mountain-Echo) which involves riding many trails on horseback. She was also a photographer on horseback and editor for The Pacific Northwest Trail Guide. Currently, Janie is authoring a book about long rider Gene Glasscock (See NWHS August 2007) and his famous horseback ride of over 20,000 miles to all 48 continental state capitals.

Many stories she writes are because of real-life experiences. Other articles are carefully researched and based on the knowledge of experts in those fields.