[ODF_Private_Forests] Oregon Invasive Weed Awareness Week

[WEEKS Kevin]

Private Forests News members:



Take a moment to consider the role Oregon's private landowners serve in the battle controlling the spread of invasive plant species within our state. Governor Kulongoski has declared May 17-23 as Oregon Invasive Weed Awareness Week.



An invasive species is a non-native species of plant, animal or organism whose introduction can cause economic or environmental harm, or poses harm to human health. Native species refers to those plant species originally living, growing, or produced in an ecosystem within their historic range.



Once established, the economic impacts from invasive species become dramatic. Scotch broom was once thought to be an attractive roadside plant; however by 2000 almost $45 million of economic losses or costs in Oregon could be attributed to the small yellow flower.



Effective invasive species management requires intervention at several stages:



* Prevention

* Early detection

* Eradication

* Control and management

* Restoration

* Public education



The Oregon Department of Forestry contributes to the control of invasive species in several ways -



Forestry Program for Oregon



In developing the 2003 Forestry Program for Oregon, the Oregon Board of Forestry recognized that invasive species could detract from achieving sustainability in forest management in Oregon. Invasive species strategies are included in the Board's Strategic Plan.



Insect and Disease Monitoring



ODF Private Forests staff monitor Oregon's forests from the air and at ground level to detect the presence of invasive plants and insects, and begin treatment early when the spread of invasive species can be contained.



Protecting State Forestlands



ODF has an active program to prevent and control invasive plants on ODF-managed state forestlands.



Protecting Private Forestlands



ODF stewardship foresters assist forest landowners in identifying, preventing, and controlling invasive plants.



Oregon Invasive Species Council



ODF gained a seat on the state's coordination council in 2008. The Council, created by the legislature in 2002, creates a forum for state agencies, local governments, universities, industries and other groups involved in invasive species management to coordinate their management efforts into the Oregon Invasive Species Action Plan.



Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds



The mission of the Oregon Plan is to restore native fish populations and the aquatic systems that support them to productive and sustainable levels. ODF has been a partner with landowners on the Plan since its inception.



Additional information is available about invasive species on the Oregon Department of Forestry web site:



Information about forest health management

http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/privateforests/fhInvasives.shtml



Additional information for landowners about noxious weed control

http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/privateforests/IncentivesWeed.shtml



The Oregon Invasive Species Council web site:

www.oregoninvasiveshotline.org<http://www.oregoninvasiveshotline.org>



Kevin Weeks

Public Information Officer / Private Forests Division

Oregon Department of Forestry

kweeks at odf.state.or.us<mailto:kweeks at odf.state.or.us>

(503) 945-7427
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