Can noxious weeds reduce the value of land?
Yes. Knapweeds infestations have reduced the appraised value of land in Oregon. On one $2 million recreational land transaction, the purchase was reduced to $200,000 because of the level of sulfur cinquefoil infestation. Realtors are seeing more potential buyers scrutinize weed infestation and management practices before closing. On production-oriented land, noxious weeds are usually considered in land appraisals. In one analysis, the presence of a noxious weeds that reduces carrying capacity by 60% lowered the value of the land from the original $220 to $100 per acre. In Montana realtors MUST by law disclose to the buyer if a property has noxious weeds. Are weeds as bad as a forest fire? Yes. “Invasive weeds have been described as a raging biological wildlife- out of control and spreading rapidly.” Millions of acres have been invaded or are at risk, including range lands, forests, wilderness areas, national parks, recreation sites, and wildlife management areas. And think about it, th
