May 9, 2025 – Invasives Free USA

Former Idaho County Weed Supervisor and State Senator Carl Crabtree Inducted into the National Invasive Species Management Hall of Fame

Rancher and former State Senator Carl Crabtree, a native of Grangeville, ID has joined the ranks of some of the most respected and iconic people in the U.S. who have been champions and leaders in the war against aquatic and terrestrial invasive species – harmful exotic plants, animals, pathogens and other species which increase wildfire risk, negatively impact forest and rangeland productivity and ecosystem functionality, lower economic stability, reduce water availability, and the impact the health of people, plants, and animals. The National Invasive Species Management Hall of Fame recognizes invasive species management professionals, scientists, and leaders at all levels whose contributions to the field of invasive species management were significant.

Crabtree defended Idaho county and supported invasive species work across the U.S. for 31 years. In 1984 he became the Idaho county Weed Management Supervisor – managing a complex program to detect, control, and eradicate noxious weeds within a part of Idaho that is 85% publicly owned and the size of the State of Massachusetts. The Idaho county noxious weed program was a success because of the partnerships Carl had formed and fostered with private landowners, public agencies and other governmental jurisdictions. His collaborations with the U.S. Forest Service, Nez-Perce and Clearwater National Forests, the Bureau of Land Management, and other federal agencies helped advance and expand the work of Idaho County and the greater good across Idaho. “Carl was a huge advocate for controlling invasive weeds and had a productive relationship with the Forest Service in Idaho and across the entire West”, noted Mike Ielmini, USDA Forest Service National Invasive Species Program Manager in Washington, D.C. “We were blessed to have a friend and colleague like Carl who always had a positive approach when working with people to reach shared goals”. “Carl and Idaho County were innovative and action-oriented partners, and it was a pleasure to work together to protect Idaho’s communities, public lands, and exceptional wildlife habitat from invasive species”, Ielmini continued.

Among Carl’s notable successes against invasive weeds was the formation of three Cooperative Weed Management Areas (CWMAs) within Idaho county, starting with the Salmon River CWMA in 1994. This was the first CWMA program in the state to utilize the current model of integrated weed management that uses a combination of methods – including chemical, biological and physical – to provide invasive species control for each situation. Carl’s innovative work became the template for the State of Idaho; and ensured that landowners looking to qualify for weed project grants would first need to belong to a CWMA.

Crabtree also served as president of the Idaho Weed Supervisor’s Association, the Idaho Weed Control Association, and the Idaho Weed Coordinating Committee, the last of which he initiated. He served in a leadership role when Idaho was developing and implementing a state strategic plan for managing noxious weeds and led efforts to raise awareness on weed management at national meetings in Washington, D.C. and across the U.S.

Steve Manning, president and CEO of Invasive Plant Control, Inc. noted, “Carl Crabtree’s dedication and leadership is representative of the best in the invasive species management community.” “He is certainly deserving of this award, and his legacy and successes will never be forgotten in the National Invasive Species Hall of Fame”.

In addition to his work against invasive weeds, Crabtree served in the Idaho Senate from 2016 to 2022, continuing his work for the people of Idaho and as a champion for invasive species management across the State. Crabtree’s energy seemed boundless, and his work spanned a wide range of activities and roles, including: managing a large registered beef cattle business and small livestock trucking business; serving as a University of Idaho extension agent; manager of the Idaho County 4-H program for 27 years; serving as president of the Idaho Cattle Association; serving as president of the Idaho Beef Council; serving on the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association board of directors; chairing two national committees; and being awarded Beef Magazine’s “Trailblazer of the Year for 2007,” an award that recognizes leadership accomplishments in the beef industry.

When he stepped down from leading Idaho county’s weed management program, Carl commented, “I’d like to think I leave behind a control program that is second to none in the state”. “And I’m proud of that,” he said. Now, there is no doubt that his legacy has been recognized within Idaho and nationwide.