Yellow Starthistle

Plant Overview

Yellow starthistle is a scourge to range lands throughout the west. This winter annual is toxic to horses and is capable of drastically reducing biodiversity by overwhelming vast swaths of landscapes forming dense monocultures. The spiny heads of mature plants are unpleasant in recreational areas and unpalatable to most animals save for goats and, even after several mowings, plants can produce mature seed. Seeds of yellow starthistle plants can remain viable for as long as 10 years while some estimate even longer viability.

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Cost-Share Program Details

  1. The Asotin County Noxious Weed Control Board offers a 1 to 1 dollar matching rate up to a $500 expense by the Noxious Weed Control Board per landowner (e.g. Noxious Weed Control Board contributes $500, landowner contributes $500) for the treatment of yellow starthistle. Expenses beyond this $500 Noxious Weed Control Board cost-share limit will be the responsibility of the landowner. Treatments/projects are not limited to $1000, however the landowner will be fully responsible for expenses beyond this amount.
  2. Maximum benefit of $500 per landowner for aerial application and $250 per landowner for ground application.
  3. Costs exceeding either dollar limit will be paid for by the landowner.  For example: a yellow starthistle job costs a contractor $1200. The owner pays $700 while the ACNWCB pays only its $500 offered limit. If a job costs a contractor $800, both parties pay $400.
  4. Work will be done on a first-come first-serve basis until funds are exhausted or environmental conditions prohibit treatment.
  5. Timings of aerial applications are determined by the pilots and their schedules and usually occur from May to early June.

How to Apply

Complete the 2020 Cost Share Application (PDF). Return the completed, signed forms to the Noxious Weed Control Board Office, by mail:
Asotin County Noxious Weed Control Board
PO Box 881
Asotin, WA 99402

You can also email it to the Program Coordinator.