Weed Management Areas (WMAs) bring together a variety of local partners with the common goal of preventing and controlling the spread of invasive plants. WMAs not only undertake collaborative on-the-ground control projects—they may also work on efforts such as public education and invasive plant mapping.
In California, WMAs now exist in all counties. Their goals and projects vary with the diverse geography of the state. A project in the valley may involve herbicide application to control yellow starthistle on rangeland, while a project in Sacramento may involve coordinating volunteers to remove red sesbania along the American River.
By involving diverse partners, WMAs are able to set local priorities, and to more effectively treat invasive plant populations that span multiple properties. WMAs are formed under a Memorandum of Understanding among partner organizations, which may include local, county, state, and federal government agencies, plus industry groups, private landowners, and non-governmental organizations.
Fifteen Weed Management Areas work within the Sacramento River watershed. To learn more about their work, follow the links below.