Upper Grand Valley Pest Control District
Learn about our program
The Upper Grand Valley Pest Control District was formed in 1965 under Colorado Revised Statutes Title 35, Article 5, “Pest Control Districts”. Since it was established, the District has been renewed repeatedly with support from commercial fruit growers.
The purpose of the District is to protect commercial growers from insect, disease, and weed infestations as per C.R.S. Title 35, Article 4, the “Pest Control Act”.
Enforcement is accomplished through the Mesa County Horticulture Pest & Weed Representative. The Representative:
- Enforces the law
- Responds to complaints
- Makes sure that neglected or unmanaged fruit trees are cared for or removed
- Inspects nursery stock
- Educates the public
- Identifies and manages weed infestations
Pursuant to C.R.S. 35-5-105., an Advisory board made up of area growers assists the Inspector and directs the operation of the District. Advisory board members serve for a term of 10 years and are appointed by the Mesa County Board of Commissioners.
| Ted Ruckman | Term expires: 12/31/2029 |
| Doug Colby | Term expires :12/31/2029 |
| Bruce Talbott | Term expires: 12/31/2029 |
| Gary Brauns | Term expires: 12/31/2029 |
| Brandon Black | Term expires: 12/31/2029 |
| Terry Moreland | Term expires: 12/31/2029 |
| VACANT |
To contact a member of the Upper Grand Valley Pest Control District Advisory Board, please email weed.pest@mesacounty.us.
Get involved in your community!
Interested in serving on a Board or Commission? Visit our Volunteer Opportunities page to find the right job for you.
District Map
The UGVPCD encompasses the fruit growing area at the east end of the Grand Valley.
Boundaries
- I-70 on the north
- 33 Road on the West for the area North or the railroad tracks
- 30 Road on the West for the area South of the railroad tracks
- Cameo on the East
- Orchard Mesa Irrigation Canal Number 2 on the South
Resources for residents in the Upper Grand Valley Pest Control District
Help protect the vitality of our fruit industry
Backyard fruit trees can harbor pests and diseases that threaten commercial fruit production. Many homeowners may not realize the time and expense required for proper fruit tree care. To protect our local fruit industry, the Upper Grand Valley Pest Control District is sponsoring a Fruit Tree Removal Program.
Eligible participants within the district can receive $15-$50 per tree, up to a maximum of $250, as an incentive to remove non-commercial fruit trees. The payment amount depends on the size and condition of the trees. Eligible species include peach, nectarine, cherry, plum, apricot, apple, crabapple, and pear.
To qualify, trees must be inspected before approval. A check will be issued following a post-removal inspection. Please note that tree removal is the owner's responsibility. For questions about this program, please call (970) 255-7121.
Colorado State University
Tri River Extension Office- Serving Mesa, Delta, Montrose and Ouray counties.
Backyard Orchard: Stone Fruits
Master Gardener- Fruit Trees-Learn which fruits and veggies grow best in Colorado
Master Gardener-CMG GardenNotes #770-771 Tree Fruits
Utah State University
For more information about pests to watch for, check out the Upper Grand Valley Fruit Pest Pocket Guide.
UGVPCD Pest of the Month
Image credit: Phylloxera,Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org
Look out for Phylloxera in Mesa County
The Upper Grand Valley Pest Control District (UGVPCD) and the CSU Tri-River Extension Office have joined Mesa County to educate our community on different pests in the area, and to protect local agriculture and natural surroundings from their potential harm. Phylloxera, a tiny but destructive insect pest that poses a major threat to vineyards and ornamental grape plantings, is October’s Pest of the Month.
Phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae), which is related to aphids, is typically identified via observation of stunted vine growth, yellowing leaves and eventual decline in vine health and diminished fruit production. This is because Phylloxera are tiny, yellow-green insects that feed primarily on roots and overwinter as eggs at the base of grapevine roots. Phylloxera can also feed on leaves, causing bumpy galls on the undersides of leaves.
Once hatched, Phylloxera nymphs feed on grapevine sap, disrupting nutrient flow and often causing root or leaf galls. Phylloxera are most damaging to Vitus vinifera, which is typically associated with European wines. There is no control mechanism for Phylloxera, however, growers can overcome the challenges of growing vinifera species by planting hybrid varieties.
What to watch for:
- Tiny pale eggs on grapevine roots or leaves in early spring
- Swollen or knotted vine roots, or blister-like leaf galls.
- Stunted vines, yellowed foliage or poor vine vigor.
- Reduced fruit yield or quality.
If you suspect grapevines on your property may be impacted by Phylloxera, we encourage you to check out the Phylloxera in Colorado Grapes-2016 report from the Colorado State University Extension Office. Be sure to time any management interventions to minimize impact on pollinators and beneficial insects.
Contact Mesa County Weed and Pest at weed.pest@mesacounty.us or 970-255-7121 with any questions or concerns related to this pest.
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The Upper Grand Valley Pest Control District (UGVPCD) was formed in 1965 with the purpose to protect commercial growers from insect, disease, and weed infestations as per C.R.S. Title 35, Article 4, the “Pest Control Act”. The UGVPCD Advisory Board, made up of area growers, serve for a term of 10 years and are appointed by the Mesa County Board of Commissioners.
The agricultural industry in Mesa County generates over $58 million in crop income, playing a crucial role in supporting many hard working families. Ensuring its continued success is essential for the community's prosperity.
Contact:
Weed.pest@mesacounty.us
970-255-7121
Interested in information from the Upper Grand Valley Pest Control District?