Geary County approves 2026 noxious-weed eradication plan; chemical bids set for March

Geary County commissioners on the record approved the county's 2026 noxious-weed eradication plan after a presentation from Jason Britt, the county's noxious-weed lead supervisor.

Britt told the commission that the eradication report and management plan summarize the county's yearly tabulation of chemical sales, required land surveys, and proposed control measures. He said the county must perform a limited number of state-required surveys and cannot conduct surveys on Fort Riley property. "Every year, I have to do a noxious weed annual eradication report and a management plan," Britt said, explaining that the plan documents where the county will concentrate control efforts and how chemical sales are tabulated.

The presentation identified an increase in a particular invasive species moving toward the western end of the county and emphasized a mix of treatment and public education. Britt described herbicide options the county plans to include in the bid packet, naming Remedy and Escort as examples and saying the county will solicit farmer and rancher feedback on products to avoid resistance. He said the county will include aquatic-use products for sewer lagoons and other county uses around water where appropriate.

Commissioners voted to approve the eradication plan and directed staff to advertise a chemical bid that will be due on March 13, 2026, at 4:30 p.m., with a public opening scheduled for the commission's night meeting on March 16 at 7:15 p.m. Britt said staff will return with a recommendation after evaluating bids.

The commission's approval authorizes the department to proceed with procurement and public outreach tied to the 2026 control season. The bid packet will specify cost-share pricing for residents, consistent with the statute the presenter referenced, and the county plans outreach via its website and social channels to help landowners identify and control listed species.