Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The Washington state noxious weed control board (WSNWCB) maintains the state's official list of noxious weeds. This list is the foundation from which county noxious weed control boards and weed districts conduct noxious weed control efforts. These efforts are designed to minimize the economic loss and adverse effects to Washington's agricultural, natural, and human resources due to the presence and spread of noxious weeds on terrestrial and aquatic areas. Weeds are prioritized to allow coordinated control of weed species statewide, and to establish prevention and early detection programs. The state weed list is divided into three classes of noxious weeds – Class A, B, and C. Class A noxious weeds are nonnative species whose distribution in the state is still limited. Class B noxious weeds are nonnative species whose distribution is limited to portions of the state, and, Class C noxious weeds are widespread in the state or are of special interest to the agricultural industry. Each class of weed requires a different level of control. RCW 17.10.080 mandates that the board adopt, at least yearly, a state noxious weed list. The board is also considering updates to its bylaws.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: No other state agency regulates this subject. Federal agencies are subject to federal noxious weed laws that require them to coordinate with state regulations. Federal agencies in Washington are invited to participate in all stages of noxious weed rule making.

Process for Developing New Rule: WSNWCB annually solicits proposed changes to the noxious weed list from county weed boards, weed districts, state agencies, federal agencies, interest groups, and the general public. WSNWCB (which includes representation from the Washington Native Plant Society, county weed boards, the nursery industry and several scientific advisors) meets at least twice to review and research these suggestions. A public hearing is scheduled, and a press release and information regarding the proposed changes are widely distributed to newspapers.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Wendy DesCamp, 1111 Washington Street S.E., phone 360-725-5764, fax 360-902-2094, TTY 800-833-6388 or 711, email noxiousweeds@agr.wa.gov, web site www.nwcb.wa.gov.