Exempt Landowner Assistance Program

The Exempt Landowner Assistance Program aims to help private landowners reduce the financial burden of controlling and preventing the spread of noxious weeds. By helping eligible private landowners, the Cowlitz County Noxious Weed Control Board (Weed Board) protects surrounding lands within Cowlitz County. 

Landowner Eligibility

In order to qualify for this program, private landowners must meet each of the following criteria:

  • Property to be treated must lie within Cowlitz County
  • Landowner must meet the requirements of the Senior Citizen & Disabled Persons Property Tax Exemption as outlined by the Cowlitz County Assessor (see this link).
  • Property must contain a significant infestation of at least one of the eligible noxious weed species below

Noxious Weed Eligibility

All noxious weeds designated for control within Cowlitz County are considered eligible for the Exempt Program. Priority will be given to the following noxious weeds:

  • All Class A Noxious Weeds (ex: Garlic Mustard, Milk Thistle, Slenderflower Thistle)
  • Canada Thistle
  • Italian Arum 
  • Lesser Celandine
  • Knotweed ssp 
  • Poison Hemlock
  • Policeman’s Helmet 
  • Shiny Geranium
  • Spurge Laurel
  • Tansy Ragwort
  • Tree of Heaven seedlings
  • Yellow Archangel

Inquire with our program to see if resources are available for your infestation of Class B or C noxious weeds.

Program Process

This program is not a guarantee that control work will be performed, even if all eligibility requirements are met. The work performed in this program is limited to staff availability, operating expenses for the treatments, and the threat assessment of the infestation. 

1. Landowner must submit their application for Exempt Status through the Cowlitz County Assessor’s office, and be approved for Exempt Status.

2. Landowner and program staff will work together to establish a long-term Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan. The IPM plan will incorporate mechanical, herbicidal, cultural and biological methods as appropriate to significantly increase the success of noxious weed control efforts.

3A. If the eligible landowner is unable to perform the control work, then the Weed Board staff or assigned contractor may perform the control work at no expense to the landowner, as outlined in the IPM plan.

3B. If the eligible landowner is capable of performing the control work, then they may receive reimbursement for 100% of the cost of supplies for control methods approved in the IPM plan up to $350 in one calendar year, per property owner, for all combined lands owned by the property owner. In order to receive reimbursement, the landowner must submit a W-9 form to Cowlitz County.

4. Landowner may also participate in the Noxious Weed Disposal Program, and receive noxious weed disposal bags and disposal vouchers to dispose of noxious weeds capable of dispersing seed or propagule.

5. Annual monitoring of the noxious weed infestation will occur. The IPM plan will be re-evaluated and adjusted according to the success of previous treatments and the availability of resources to offer this program.  

Disclaimer: This program is reviewed by the Weed Board on an annual basis, and is subject to change. Under extraneous circumstances, the requirement for exempt status may be waived at the discretion of the Coordinator. 

Approved by the Cowlitz County Noxious Weed Control Board on February 8, 2023

Funds are limited and this program may end at any time during the weed season.

Contact the County Assessor’s office to apply for the Tax Exemption Program. This needs to be your first step in order to have the Weed Program assist you with noxious weed control.