Noxious Weed Advisory Committee

What's New with the NWAC?

The next Noxious Weed Advisory Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 9, in Colorado Springs.

This meeting will include a field portion; see the full agenda here. If you plan to attend in person, please email weeds@state.co.us so we can ensure we have enough space and resources for everyone. For additional information, visit the Event Page.

Want to be involved? Everyone is welcome to NWAC meetings!

Want to get involved in the fight against noxious weeds in Colorado? We invite you to join the conversation at our quarterly Noxious Weed Advisory Committee meetings.

These meetings are open to the public, and we welcome anyone interested in protecting our state's natural beauty and ecosystems. Come learn about our work and share your ideas as we work together to manage noxious weeds across Colorado.

A group of 25 people poses for a photo on a boat landing with multiple rafts on the right side, and the Yampa River in the background

Members of the Noxious Weed Advisory Committee (NWAC), industry employees, and friends pose for a photo after a trip down the Yampa River. The group floated the river to assess a severe leafy spurge infestation and release biocontrol agents to help control the noxious weed.

Advisory Committee Members

Perspective	Name	Region	Phone	Term	Term Ends
Private Landowner	Mary Fabisiak	Lakewood	303-513-9896	2	12/31/26
Federal Weed Manager	Dan Tekiela	Lakewood	720-357-3211	2	12/31/25
County Weed Manager	Lucas Casias	San Acacio	719-298-8518	1	12/31/26
Weed Scientist	Rachel Seedorf	Sterling	970-630-5416	1	12/31/25
County Official	Kallie Rand	Eagle	970-328-3553	1	12/31/25
Municipal Official	Brian Berg	Estes Park	970-577-3783	1	12/31/25
Ag Producer	J. Paul Brown	Ignacio	970-759-4157	2	12/31/26
Ag Producer	Anne Gebauer	Grover	970-590-0032	1	12/31/26
Ag Producer	Brian Core	Broomfield	720-375-0410	2	12/31/26
Ag Producer	Nathan Troudt	Wiggins	970-768-5584	2	12/31/26
Green Industry	Travis Harris	Wiggins	303-720-8245	2	12/31/25
Conservation Organization	Jim Alexander	Denver	720-238-5444	2	12/31/25
Resource Specialist	Wesley Collins	Rifle	970-776-0949	1	12/31/26
At-large	Catherine Moravec	Colorado Springs	719-201-4193	1	12/31/26
At-large	Ethan Proud	Pagosa Springs	970-264-8415	1	12/31/26
CDOT (non-voting)	Ken Howlett	Denver	303-515-0758
DNR (non-voting)	Wilbur Strickert	Sterling	970-522-0975

Interested in becoming a NWAC Member?

Interested in making a difference in Colorado's environment and agriculture? The Noxious Weed Advisory Committee (NWAC) has openings each year in mid-December.

The NWAC is a group of dedicated professionals and citizens who advise the Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture on key weed management decisions. We are looking for individuals with expertise in:

Agriculture Production (4 members)
Local Governing Bodies (counties and municipalities) (2 members)
Private and Public Land Management (1 member)
Public or Private Weed Science (1 member)
Resource Specialism or Related Industries, including environmental organizations (3 members)
Weed Management Professionals at the federal, state, or local levels (2 members)

Serving on the NWAC is a great opportunity to apply your expertise and help protect Colorado's natural resources. Keep an eye on our announcements in December to apply!

A group of 6 people surround large blue tubs of aquatic species in a Native Aquatic Species Restoration facility.

Members of the NWAC Team do a tour of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife: JW Mumma Native Aquatics Species Restoration Facility.

The Colorado Noxious Weed Advisory Committee: A Statutory Overview

The Colorado Noxious Weed Advisory Committee is a body established under the Colorado Noxious Weed Act, specifically outlined in Colorado Revised Statutes § 35-5.5-108.7.

The committee's primary legal function is to advise the Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture on various aspects of noxious weed management. According to the statute, the committee's key responsibilities include:

Designation and Classification: Recommending which plants should be designated as state noxious weeds and how they should be classified (e.g., List A, B, or C). This is a critical role in shaping the state's official list of regulated weeds.
Management Plan Development: Providing recommendations on the development and implementation of state weed management plans.
Technique Recommendations: Suggesting and prescribing techniques for the eradication, containment, and suppression of state noxious weeds.
Effectiveness Assessment: Periodically assessing the results and effectiveness of statewide efforts to manage noxious weeds.
Public and Stakeholder Liaison: Serving as a crucial link between various stakeholders—including agricultural producers, land managers, local governments, and environmental organizations—and the Colorado Department of Agriculture.

The statute also specifies the committee's composition, which consists of 17 members from various backgrounds, including agriculture, land management, science, and local government. Members are appointed by the Commissioner of Agriculture and serve for a term of two years, with the option for a second term. The committee is required to meet at least quarterly to fulfill its duties.