The Clallam County Noxious Weed Control Board is launching its first-ever photography contest, “Show Us Your Weeds Scotch Broom Photography Contest 2016.”

Submit your photos of the biggest, meanest and gnarliest infestation of Scotch broom in Clallam County.

The contest is geared to create awareness to the extensive loss of habitat for beneficial native plants and the wildlife — on land and in water — that depend on natural habitat.

Judges are looking for an image filled with the ubiquitous and deceptively beautiful yellow flowers in full bloom. Your entry could feature a field of Scotch broom — or one spectacular shrub so huge you might mistake it for a tree. Hint: the element of scale may be a useful approach.

First-, second- and third-place prizes will be awarded. Your entry must include your subject’s location.

To encourage the public’s participation in their removal, submissions photographed on public property will be published when winners are announced. The location of entries found on private property will not be published. Winning entries will not be judged on location.

Entries must be submitted via email to qualify and the subject line must read: “Show Us Your Weeds Scotch Broom Photography Contest 2016.”

Submit your photos to web_weed@co.clallam.wa.us.

Prize winners will be required to sign the Weed Board photo release form. In other words,  your photo could become famous and included in county weed control literature.

Each entrant may submit up to three images and entries must be submitted no later than June 30. Along with your entry, include your contact information (email address, phone number(s), mailing address).

Winners will be announced in July; date and place to be determined.

For more information about noxious weeds, visit clallam.net/weed.