Spartina Control
Public Works | Natural Resources Division
Spartina
Spartina anglica (common cordgrass) is a perennial saltmarsh grass native to Northern Europe. Originally listed as a noxious weed in 1990, it is a Class A species that is required to be controlled in Washington State and is on the state quarantine list, meaning it’s illegal to buy, sell, plant, or transport.
Spartina displaces native species and raises the level of the saltmarsh by allowing sediment to build up. This destroys important habitat and food for fish, waterfowl, and other marine life. It also interferes with recreational activities.
How We Treat Spartina
The Skagit County Noxious Weed program surveys saltmarshes across the County for spartina. This means walking back and forth across the saltmarsh identifying spartina. When we find spartina plants, we treat them with an herbicide mix that is specifically meant to be less harmful to aquatic areas. We spray the plants individually and at close range so we can use as little herbicide as possible.
Surveys and treatment for this species begin in June and end in October.
Partners
We coordinate our spartina treatment efforts with Washington State Department of Agriculture, Padilla Bay Natural Estuarine Research Reserve, Swinomish Tribal Nation, Whatcom County Noxious Weed Control Board, Snohomish County Noxious Weed Control Board, Island County Noxious Weed Control Board, and Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife.
StoryMap
Learn more about spartina treatment in Skagit County through our StoryMap!
