Forest Service takes on invasive weed challenge

On the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, three noxious weed removal projects are underway funded by the new County Payments law and recommended by the Forest's two Resource Advisory Committees. The three projects total $165,633.

Most invasive plant species are introduced to North America from Europe or Asia. They may come accidentally or they may have been brought in on purpose.

Examples of accidental introduction include the transport of seeds or plants in the ballast of ships, in the fleece and hair of livestock, in clothing and as contaminants in seed lots. Intentional introductions are made for reasons including medicine, dyes, forage, erosion control and ornamental plants, to name a few.

"For the purpose of this project, invasive plants (aka noxious weeds or exotics) are those plants that harm natural resources or the people who enjoy them," Goodman adds. "To date approximately 95 invasive plant species have been reported on national forest lands in Oregon and Washington."

To address it the Forest Service in the Pacific Northwest has chartered a team to prepare an environmental impact statement that looks at integrated ways to deal with the invasive plant species problem.

"This environmental impact statement project will give us a clearer and more comprehensive set of standards and guidelines for our Forest Plans and allow us to be more effective in preventing and more timely in controlling invasive species," says team leader Gene Skrine. "Prevention, early detection, early treatment and restoration are our best and most cost-effective tools for combating invasive plants."

Team members will consider a variety of prevention and treatment strategies. Among the possibilities are biological controls (insects that feed on undesirable plants), herbicides, cultural measures such as hand pulling plants and prevention practices (for example, cleaning equipment or assuring that only weed-free hay goes into uninfested areas.