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Cogongrass continually affects the Covington County area and the Covington County Cogongrass Control Program is in its third year fighting to keep the invasive species under control.

Cogongrass is one of the 10 worst weeds in the world because it is expensive to control, and it eventually destroys entire ecosystems. Worst yet, this invasive is steadily marching across Alabama. To accomplish this effort, the Covington County Soil and Water Conservation District is partnering with multiple agencies such as the AFC, USFS, LLA, and ALDOT just to name a few.

Today, the Covington County Cogongrass Control Program is in its third year and has effectively treated 59.5 infested acres of Cogongrass.

“These infestations treated by during this program range in size from a few square feet to several acres,” Chris Mead said. “I’m asking why only 59.5 acres was treated when current projections estimate 2660 acres of infestation inside Covington County. I am personally aware of a single Cogongrass infestation that is over 40 acres in size.”

Why are landowners allowing this aggressive invasive to take root in Covington County? Mead said the answer is simple; this problem just doesn’t rank high enough on the list yet.

The Covington County Soil and Water Conservation District is announcing their signup for the 2020 Cogongrass Control Program for interested Covington County landowners. For $100, landowners with Cogongrass can sign up for an assessment of up to 40 acres.

After the initial assessment has been completed, landowners can complete an application to have up to one acre of Cogongrass treated with herbicides at no cost.

Covington County landowners with Cogongrass should apply at the Covington County Soil and Water Conservation District Office located in the NRCS Service Center at 23952 Highway 55, Suite 1, Andalusia, Alabama 36420. The signup will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m., until 11 a.m., during the months of August and September. At this time this office is closed to the public due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions so those interested should call (334) 222-3519, Ext 3 for assistance after arrival at the office. Office personnel will complete the signup in the parking lot.