Stewardship Assistance Program
Overview
The Kitsap County Noxious Weed Control Program is offering direct assistance in the control of qualifying noxious weeds through our Stewardship Assistance Program (SAP). Qualifying noxious weed infestations may now receive up to $2,500 per property in direct weed control or treatment services, performed by county contractors. Participants must agree to a two-year Stewardship Agreement, which includes a commitment to following a management plan, and allows for site visits and/or follow-up treatments by county staff or contractors as needed. Funding for the program is currently limited to $50,000 annually, and applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis. See below for the list of qualifying species and the link to apply.
Eligibility & Priority Species
Landowners may qualify via either track:
Priority Species Track: Property has an infestation of a Priority Species.
Hardship Track: Landowner meets the Senior & Disabled Tax Exemption criteria AND one or more of the Hardship Species.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What does direct assistance mean?
Approved applicants will receive up to $2,500 per property per year in direct control or treatment work performed by county contractors. This cost includes labor and materials used in the control or treatment work.
What is the Stewardship Agreement?
Participants agree to follow the recommended control plan for 2 years, allow site visits by a contractor or county staff, and complete additional treatments in future years if deemed necessary. The agreement helps ensure lasting control and compliance.
How are applications evaluated?
Applications are evaluated and approved on a first come first served basis.
Is there a cap per property?
Yes, the maximum value of assistance is limited to $2,500 per property per year.
How long does the process take?
After you apply, staff will need to verify the infestation through provided pictures or a site visit. Providing detailed pictures of the infestation may eliminate the need for an initial site visit and speed up approval time. Once verified, our contractors will reach out to schedule the control work. Timing will be dependent on weather conditions and current workload of our contractors. We aim to respond to applications within two weeks.
Will I need to do follow-up work?
Yes. Most noxious weeds require multiple seasons of monitoring and follow-up control work to completely eradicate. This may mean monitoring the site for new growth and notifying staff, pulling seedlings that appear, or avoiding any mowing or soil disturbance near the infestation. The management plan will outline responsibilities for both the landowner and the noxious weed control program staff/contractors.
Is this enforcement?
No, the SAP is voluntary assistance and does not replace enforcement actions. However, participation
does not exempt landowners from compliance with applicable laws.
What if I am not the landowner?
If you are not the landowner you may still apply, but we will need the landowner's approval on the Stewardship Agreement to perform any control work.
What if the infestation is on both sides of a property line?
If the infestation crosses onto a neighboring property, we will need the signature of the adjacent property owner to perform control work on their property.
