Washington Wilderness Hay & Mulch Management (WWHAM) Program

For more information, e-mail us or call (360) 902-1984.

In 2011, the Washington State Dept. of Agriculture's (WSDA) Plant Services Program assumed responsibility for the certification of noxious weed-free hay and straw in Washington.

Previously, the Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board (WSNWCB), in cooperation with the county weed boards, provided this service to growers. WSDA will also cooperate with the county weed boards wishing to conduct hay and straw inspections, but will provide inspections in areas where county inspectors are not available. Like the WSNWCB, WSDA will use the standards and procedures of the North American Weed Management Association's (NAWMA) Weed-Free Forage Program so that hay and straw certified in Washington will meet the standards of the US Forest Service and other agencies requiring noxious weed-free forage and mulch.

Following the NAWMA protocol for weed-free forage, inspections will be conducted within 10 days prior to cutting of fields. Surrounding buffers must also be free of mature seed heads or propagating parts of any weeds on the Washington noxious weed list or the NAWMA list.

Fees

The WSDA, Plant Services Program is a fee-based program. Inspections conducted by the WSDA staff will be charged at the rates established in chapter 16-470 WAC, currently $40 per hour plus mileage. County inspectors participating in the certification process may charge different rates. WSDA will provide twine, tags, and certificates to growers at cost.

If you're interested in having your hay or straw certified as noxious weed-free, please contact your county weed board or the nearest Plant Services inspector.

2011 WWHAM Certified Growers

  WWHAM Certified Growers [PDF 205kB]

Contact Information

1111 Washington St.
PO Box 42560
Olympia, WA  98504-2560
Phone:  (360) 902-1984
Fax:  (360) 902-2094
PlantServices@agr.wa.gov

Tom Wessels, Plant Services Program Manager - (360) 902-1984
twessels@agr.wa.gov
Gloriann Northcraft, Administrative Asst. - (360) 902-1922
gnorthcraft@agr.wa.gov

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