Mayor Janet Wampler

Mayor’s Message: A Call to Stewardship 
By Mayor Janet Wampler - 24 July 2026

One of my greatest joys in living here is seeing Ogden Valley through the changing seasons. Whether it's driving past green pastures in the spring, watching families enjoy our trails in the summer, or taking in the golden colors of autumn, I'm reminded every day how fortunate we are to live in such an extraordinary place. This valley has been entrusted to us, and each generation has a responsibility to leave it healthier and more beautiful than we found it.

One significant threat to that legacy comes from invasive and noxious weeds. These aggressive plants crowd out native vegetation, reduce wildlife habitat, diminish grazing lands, and spread quickly if left unchecked. They don't recognize property lines, which means protecting Ogden Valley requires all of us working together.

Most residents are familiar with Dyer's Woad and the effort it takes to keep it under control. However, two invasive weeds pose an even greater long-term threat to our valley: Yellow Star-Thistle and Rush Skeletonweed.

Yellow Star-Thistle is considered one of the most destructive invasive weeds in the western United States. It forms dense infestations that crowd out native grasses and wildflowers, reducing forage for livestock and wildlife while creating nearly impenetrable stands armed with sharp, painful spines. A single plant can produce thousands of seeds, allowing it to spread rapidly across fields and open spaces if not controlled early.

Rush Skeletonweed is equally concerning, and unfortunately, harder to recognize. Its thin, wiry stems can make it appear harmless, but beneath the surface it develops an extensive root system. Taproots can reach seven feet deep, allowing the plant to survive drought, regenerate after disturbance, and spread aggressively. It competes directly with desirable vegetation, reduces agricultural productivity, and can quietly establish itself over large areas before many people even notice it. Early detection is our best defense.

Both Yellow Star-Thistle and Rush Skeletonweed are already known to occur within Ogden Valley, and the State of Utah has designated both species as high-priority noxious weeds for control. Fortunately, the current level of infestation suggests that, if our community acts now, we have a genuine opportunity to contain, and perhaps even eradicate, these weeds before they become firmly established.

To help address this growing challenge, Ogden Valley City is partnering with the Weber County Weed Board and USU Extension to begin an education and awareness campaign. Together, we will provide information to help residents identify these invasive species, understand why they are harmful, and learn the most effective ways to control them before they become established.

The most important part of this effort begins with awareness and action. I encourage every resident to become familiar with these invasive weeds, inspect your property regularly, and remove them before they flower and produce seed. Whether you own a family farm, several acres, or a neighborhood lot, your efforts make a difference. When each of us takes responsibility for our own property, we protect our neighbors' land as well.

If you discover Yellow Star-Thistle, Rush Skeletonweed, or other noxious weeds, please report them. Residents can submit a report using the Code Enforcement link on our city’s website or through Weber County's Report A Weed webpage. Reporting new infestations helps us respond quickly while infestations are still small and prevents these invasive species from spreading farther across the valley.

If you find noxious weeds on your own property and would like professional assistance with removal, Weber County offers expert guidance. You may contact Bart Cragun, Weber County Weed Control Supervisor, at 801-399-8356 or [email protected] to discuss treatment options and available services.

One of the things I admire most about Ogden Valley is that when our community faces a challenge, we don't wait for someone else to solve it. We pitch in. We help our neighbors. We care for the places we love. This is one of those moments when small individual actions, multiplied across our valley, can make an enormous difference. By taking a few hours each season to identify and remove invasive weeds, we invest in the future of this land.

Thank you for the pride you take in Ogden Valley and for your willingness to be good stewards of this remarkable place. Together, we can preserve the healthy landscapes, open spaces, and rural character that make our valley unlike anywhere else. The land we enjoy today is a gift from those who came before us. By learning to recognize these invasive weeds, reporting new infestations, and caring for our own properties, we can ensure that future generations inherit the same gift.
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- Mayor Janet Wampler