Noxious Weeds

The Town of Estes Park partners with other agencies to provide education on noxious weed management in the Estes Valley. The purpose of noxious weed management is to control noxious weeds, defined as non-native aggressive invaders that take over native vegetation. This is also considered good management for wildfire mitigation.

Owning property in the Estes Valley can be a challenge when it comes to managing noxious weeds. Property owners are responsible for noxious weed mitigation and management on private properties, and for compliance with the Estes Valley Municipal Code, Section 8.04.030 & 8.04.040, Larimer County codes, and State of Colorado. Visit www.larimer.org/naturalresources/weeds/law for more information. 

The best time to start looking for and managing noxious weeds is early in the growing season. The smaller plants are easier to dig up and bag, and if the weeds are not in bloom there is less risk of spreading seeds.

Every year, from June through September, Monitored Weed Drop-Off events take place on the third Saturday of the month. These drop-off events are made possible by Estes Land Stewardship Association (ELSA), Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, and donations. The drop-off location is north of the Waste Management transfer station at 666 Elm Road. Participants may unload a maximum of ten paper yard bags (no plastic) with noxious weeds only. No slash, pine needles, pine cones, trash, yard waste or excess dirt are accepted.

During the 2022 Monitored Weed Drop-off events, 1,194 tall yard bags of weeds were collected with 403 folks in attendance. At the July Weed Roundup, in-depth interaction with weed experts was offered to help with weed identification and management, suggestions for eradication, and the provision of educational materials. The July event is made possible with support from ELSA, the Town, Larimer County, Colorado Department of Agriculture, Estes Valley Land Trust, and individual donors. 

Town of Estes Park Enforcement

Noxious Weed Violations and Code Compliance are reported to the Estes Park Police Department by emailing www.estes.org/codeenforcement or calling 970-586-4000. The Code Compliance Officer will send a letter regarding education and compliance. The officer will provide information about weeds infesting the property and a list of resources to help with weed management. 

If the weed problem is not addressed within 15 days, a notice of violation is sent by certified mail to the property owner. If action is not taken to correct the alleged violation, further enforcement action is taken. A Summons and Complaint is issued to the Municipal Court for violation of the Estes Valley Municipal Code (Section 8.04.030 & 8.04.040). Violations are subject to fines and penalties.