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.
Interested in information from the Upper Grand Valley Pest Control District?
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
Photo by Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org
The Upper Grand Valley Pest Control District (UGVPCD), the CSU Tri-River Extension Office and Mesa County are working together to educate our community on different pests in our area to protect local agriculture and natural surroundings from their potential harm. This month, we bring awareness to the black cherry aphids (Myzus cerasi), which usually go unnoticed by backyard orchardists but are a significant pest that tree owners should be on the lookout for.
These small, black insects spend the winter as eggs laid at the base of leaf buds. Once hatched, the aphids feed on the sap of cherry trees, causing leaves to curl. As they feed, they excrete a sticky substance known as honeydew, which results in the growth of sooty mold on the leaves, fruit, and any surface under the trees. The mold can impact the plant’s photosynthesis process, resulting in poor tree health and reduced fruit yield and quality.
What to watch for:
Shiny black eggs in early spring at the base of buds.
Misshapen, twisted leaves after bloom.
Small colonies of black aphids on the undersides of leaves.
Leaves that appear shiny, or black dusty surfaces under or around the tree.
If you suspect a fruit tree on your property may be impacted by black cherry aphids, we encourage you to check out the Backyard Orchard: Stone Fruits Factsheet from the Colorado State University Tri-River Area Extension on their website. Be sure to time spraying when bees and pollinators are not likely to collect pollen and nectar from flowers.