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Horticultural Pest Control Board

Program Contact: Charlie Coslor
(360) 395-2366 • ccoslor@wsu.edu

Horticultural Pest Control Board

On May 26, 1998, the Skagit County Board of Commissioners approved the formation of a Horticultural Pest and Disease Board. The Board is charged with the responsibility of receiving complaints concerning pests and diseases in Skagit County and taking action to control priority pests and diseases that threaten agriculture in the county. The Board operates under the rules of the State of Washington, RCW 15.09.

The Law

According to RCW 15.09.060 – Each owner of land containing any plant or plants shall perform or cause to be performed such acts as may be necessary to control and to prevent the spread of horticultural pests and diseases, such pests and diseases are defined under RCW 15.08.010, as now or hereafter amended, or as such pests and diseases are defined by the director of the department of agriculture in accordance with the purpose of this chapter and with the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act, chapter 34.05 RCW. The word “owner” as used in this section shall mean the possessor or possessors of any form of legal or equitable title to land and entitlement to posession. For purposes of liability under this chapter, the owners of land shall be jointly and severally liable.

Read RCW 15.09.080 for more information.

Summary: Homeowners may be liable for losses suffered by neighboring commercial orchards.

 

 

Current Priority Pests:

Other serious pests in Skagit County include:

  • Western Cherry Fruit Fly
  • Codling Moth (apples)
  • Walnut Husk Fly

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