Invasive and noxious weeds are a major cause of land degradation in Eastern Oregon, affecting more than 500,000 acres of rangeland and pasture, along with miles of waterways. In Baker County, land managers often struggle to stay current with best practices for weed control, herbicide regulations, and licensing requirements. A regional shortage of licensed pesticide applicators adds to the challenge — limiting the capacity to manage weeds effectively and threatening both agricultural productivity and ecosystem resilience.
To address these needs, Will Price, Oregon State University Extension assistant professor of practice, organized two targeted workshops in collaboration with local and federal partners.
Attendees helped strengthen the agriculture and natural resources workforce in northeast Oregon, filling critical gaps in weed management capacity.
In January 2023, Price organized a one-day range management workshop with support from the Baker County Weed District, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA). The event covered updated noxious weed lists, weed identification, BLM weed control policies, steps for obtaining an ODA pesticide applicator license, and strategies for maintaining healthy rangelands. It drew 23 participants from a mix of backgrounds — including livestock producers, landowners, applicators, agency personnel and nonprofit staff.
Fifteen participants completed evaluations, with 100% indicating they planned to apply what they learned. Examples included switching to preventative weed treatments, choosing species-specific herbicides, enhancing sage-grouse habitat, and pursuing ODA licenses to apply herbicides independently.
In 2024, at the request of the Baker County Natural Resources director, Price organized a two-day, in-person pesticide applicator training delivered by OSU’s Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP). The training was offered at no cost to participants through a community assistance agreement with the BLM Vale District – Baker Field Office.
Eighteen participants from across Eastern Oregon attended the course to prepare for the ODA Pesticide Laws and Safety Exam — the first step in becoming licensed applicators. By gaining the knowledge and skills needed to pass the exam, attendees helped strengthen the agriculture and natural resources workforce in northeast Oregon, filling critical gaps in weed management capacity.
Together, these workshops expanded knowledge, improved compliance with pesticide regulations, and built practical skills among land managers and applicators. As a result, Baker County is better equipped to manage invasive weeds and support the long-term sustainability of Eastern Oregon’s working lands.
