Kings Partnership Against Weeds

Chair: Les Wright, Deputy Agricultural Commissioner for Kings County

General contact: Les Wright, 559-582-3211 x2830, les.wright@co.kings.ca.us

Mapping contact: Les Wright, 559-582-3211 x2830, les.wright@co.kings.ca.us

Meetings: Annual meeting held at Commissioner’s office

Formed: 2001

Project Highlights:

   Alligatorweed abatement

  • This project focuses on controlling alligatorweed in infested locations throughout the county’s waterways. Alligatorweed inhibits water circulation and clarity. This weed reduces both bird and fish activity and overpopulates wildlife and native plant habitat. Various methods of control are implemented in this project, including early detection and biocontrol.

   Perennial pepperweed project along River Slough, State Highway

  • Perennial pepperweed is being managed along River Slough, State Highway. The Kings Partnership Against Weeds team uses mechanical control to reduce populations of perennial pepperweed along 10 acres of River Slough, State Highway. By eradicating the infestation, the county will prevent its spread into surrounding farmland. Project partners include California Department of Transportation, private landowners, California Department of Food & Agriculture.

   Yellow starthistle control along county highways

  • The WMA controls 5 acres of yellow starthistle on 5 acres of county highways. By eradicating the infestation, the county will prevent its spread into surrounding farmland. Project partners include California Department of Transportation, private landowners, California Department of Food & Agriculture.

Organizations on WMA’s MOU

  • JG Boswell
  • Kaweah Watershed
  • Kings River Resource Conservation District
  • People Ditch Company
  • Corcoran Irrigation District
  • Last Chance Ditch Company
  • Kings County Public Works
  • University of California Cooperative Extension
  • Kings County Agriculture Commission
  • United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service
  • Lakeside IWD
  • Department of Defense