EDRR Crew/Boots-on-the-Ground Assistance
What is Early Detection Rapid Response?
Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) is a cost-effective, proactive strategy for managing noxious weeds in Colorado. It focuses on finding and eliminating new invasive species quickly, before they can spread and become widely established. This approach is highly effective because it aligns with the curve of invasion, which shows that controlling a weed is far easier and cheaper when its population is small and localized.
It is one of the most cost-effective and ecologically viable methods for controlling invasive weeds and is well worth the effort to protect Colorado's natural and agricultural resources. This program's success depends on the participation from as many trained eyes as possible. That is why your help is needed to look out for and report new and emerging invasive species.
The Curve of Invasion
The curve of invasion illustrates the relationship between the cost of controlling a noxious weed and the size of its population. The most effective and affordable strategy is to find and eradicate a new species early (prevention and EDRR), as control efforts become exponentially more expensive and difficult as the population grows.
What Boots-on-the-Ground Assistance does the CDA Noxious Weed Program Provide?
Right now, our Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) Specialist, Emily McGrath, leads a two-person crew each summer. The team, which operates from May to September (contingent on funding), provides on-the-ground assistance to county and local weed managers.
Their primary focus is to help with high-priority noxious weeds, including all List A species and select elevated List B species. This targeted support helps to manage new or small infestations before they can spread.
If you are a county weed manager and have a high-priority species in your area, you can contact Emily to schedule assistance from the crew, who are available every year.
Emily's crew is equipped to manage noxious weeds using both mechanical and chemical control methods. They can perform tasks such as hand-pulling, digging, and using tools for removal, as well as applying herbicides to effectively treat infestations.
Noxious Weed Door Hangers
We have doorhangers available for the following species:
- Orange hawkweed
- Flowering Rush
- Rush skeletonweed
- Myrtle spurge
- Aquatic (includes purple loosestrife, hairy willow-herb, and yellow flag iris)
To request doorhangers, please contact Emily McGrath.
August 2, 2023 Aquatic & Semi-Aquatic Invasives Control Training
Workshop on purple loosestrife, hairy willow-herb, yellow flag iris and other semi-aquatic and aquatic species (identification, biology, control methods, and mapping) presented by Emily McGrath of the Colorado Department of Agriculture and Robert Walters of Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Agosto 2, 2023 Capacitación en control de invasoras acuáticas y semiacuáticas
Taller sobre salicaria púrpura, sauce peludo, lirio bandera amarilla y otras especies acuáticas y semiacuáticas (identificación, biología, métodos de control y mapeo) presentado por Emily McGrath del Departamento de Agricultura de Colorado y Robert Walters de Parques y Vida Silvestre de Colorado
EDRR Framework & Strategic Plan for Colorado
In June 2016, the Noxious Weed Program staff, along with a team of weed professionals, finalized the new EDRR Framework & Strategic Plan for the state. This document provides goals and objectives for EDRR in Colorado and will be adjusted as those goals are met.