The King County Road Services Division is scheduled to begin its roadside weed control program in unincorporated areas of the county and in the city of Woodinville beginning April 1, 2008. As part of the program, certified technicians will perform controlled herbicide spraying along some road shoulders through the summer to reduce safety hazards for pedestrians, motorists and bicyclists. The spraying will also control noxious weeds that are toxic to some animals and pose environmental risks to native vegetation. As in past years, residents who do not want crews to spray county right-of-way that abuts their property may post “owner” will maintain” signs.

Those residents, however, must sign an agreement with the county to maintain the right-of-way themselves. Maintenance agreements must be completed and returned to the Roads Services Division before “owner will maintain” signs can be issued. Maintenance agreements should be received by the Road Services Division by March 31, 2008. The signs are once again being provided to property owners at no charge. The county has already sent letters to property owners who asked to maintain right-of-way last year.

The Road Services Division will also be removing all tansy ragwort from right-of-way due to the flowering weed’s danger to animals. State and local laws require the removal of tansy ragwort and other noxious weeds. Residents who maintain right-of-way are asked to place vegetation that may contain tansy ragwort in sealable bags to prevent the spread of the weed.

Signs and copies of the maintenance agreement are available by calling (206) 296-8100 or toll-free by calling 1-800-KC-ROADS. The maintenance agreement is also available on the Road Services Division website at http://www.metrokc.gov/kcdot/roads/row/weedcontrol.cfm.