Analysis of the implementation of noxious weed policy on Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service lands in Arizona.

Abstract

Noxious weeds are harmful plants that are regulated by law. It is their regulation that makes them unique from other weeds. At least 14 noxious weed species are known to occur in Arizona. The Federal Noxious Weed Act of 1974, as amended in 1990, directs all federal agencies to develop, coordinate, fund, and implement noxious weed programs on land that they manage. This dissertation describes and evaluates the implementation of federal noxious weed policy by the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management in Arizona. Policy design methodology is used to construct a model of federal policy. Policy elements evaluated include statutes, implementing agents, target audiences, and the policy rules and tools that link these players to policy outcomes. Interviews with agents and targets revealed that there are no noxious weed programs being conducted on Forest Service or BLM lands in Arizona. Also, there is an insignificant amount of funding being provided for such programs. Policy design methods are used to assess the context of the implementation problem. Policy tools are recommended to address the lack of knowledge about infestation levels and management options. Additional support building tools are recommended to address the adaption of integrated weed management techniques.