JOSEPH â Joseph-area rancher Karl Patton has been honored for his work to eradicate noxious and invasive weeds in the area by being named the first-ever Wallowa County Weed Warrior of the Year, said Andy Marcum, manager of the countyâs Vegetation Department.
âKarl has been battling noxious weeds his whole life,â Marcum said. âHeâs doing it on his property and sites he sees elsewhere. Heâs active in educating the communityâ about weeds.
Marcum said this is a new effort by the Wallowa County Weed Board to recognize efforts to rid the county of weeds that interfere with agriculture and wildlife. Although Patton is the only weed warrior recognized this year, there may be more in the future.