Definitions

For the purpose of this chapter, unless otherwise required by context: "Control noxious weed" means to limit the spread of a specific noxious weed and to reduce its density to a degree where its injurious, harmful, or deleterious effect is reduced to a tolerable level. "Cooperative agreement" means an agreement between the department and the landowner and land occupier for the control or eradication of a noxious weed infestation. "Department" means the department of agriculture and biosecurity. "Eradicate noxious weed" means to completely destroy and eliminate existing plant growth, seeds, and vegetative reproductive plant parts of a specific noxious weed from a given locality. "Land occupier" means a person who occupies, resides on, or utilizes land or real estate of a landowner. "Landowner" means the possessor of a fee simple absolute title in land or real estate and shall include the State and its political subdivisions in their capacities as owners of public lands. "Noxious weed" means any plant species which is, or which may be likely to become, injurious, harmful, or deleterious to the agricultural, horticultural, aquacultural, or livestock industry of the State and to forest and recreational areas and conservation districts of the State, as determined and designated by the department from time to time. "Person" means any individual, firm, corporation, association, or partnership.