[RC] studies on horses/noxious weeds? - Marlene Moss
Does anyone have any links to studies that show that horses
DON’T have an impact on bringing in noxious weeds?I thought I remembered some time last
year that a study was being done and I kept hoping to see results.
A new park just opened in our area with 20 miles of trails
that doesn’t allow horses because “Stewardship of the
property is an important concern for us. Due to erosion and noxious weed
concerns horses are not allowed in the park.”
I voiced my opinion when they were first determining usage
in the park last year, but either there wasn’t enough support for horses
or we were ignored.Since I just
saw dozens of signs put up in 3 counties about the park, I contacted them to
find out of horses were allowed and got the above response. I have replied and have also been trying
to gather up further information for the parks department to consider (thanks
for the horse poop link on the CA site recently posted, I found several good
links to provide from there).
I do hope there has been some good
studies on noxious weeds. I know if
I look at my own properties where I’ve fed all kinds of hay, much with
some weed content on occasion I have never seen weeds suddenly appear. In the exact areas where I feed I will
occasionally get a little bit of grass. But I never see anything near an
undisturbed pile of poop.And since
most horses poop on the trail, the poop breaks down and as more feet trample
the trail, there is very little chance of anything growing on the trail.
Any other “ammunition” anyone can provide would
be appreciated.I do wish I could
make that Denver meeting –
unfortunately I have a gymkhana scheduled at our place and have a couple
students in the lead line class (this is how I get my exercise!).
