Why Worry About Invasive Species?
A recent study found an estimated annual loss of almost $83.5 million in personal income to Oregon’s economy from just 25 selected weed species. These costs are estimated to balloon to $1.8 billion if invasive weeds are left untreated. We all pay the bill for invasion of weeds species through increased food costs, higher taxes, and decreased property values. These impacts clearly show the economic benefits associated with controlling invasive weeds
Invasive weeds not only impact our pocketbooks, but they also impact the livability of our communities. Invasive weeds like blackberry and gorse have long thorns that limit our ability to enjoy our open spaces and natural areas. While other invasive weeds like giant hogweed and spurge laurel can cause burns or rashes if we come into contact with them.
These plants and animals also impact the natural beauty of the landscape. They replace our native plants that fish and wildlife depend upon for food and shelter. In this way, they replace our natural wonders with a weedy and degraded landscape that is less “Oregon-like”.
So join your friends and neighbors in helping to stop the Silent Invasion!
Ten Ways You Can Help Slow Invasive Species
- Learn about invasive weed species, especially those found in your region. The WeedWise Program is a local and trusted resource.
- Clean hiking boots, waders, boats and trailers, off-road vehicles, and other gear to stop invasive species from hitching a ride to a new location. Learn more at PlayCleanGo.org.
- Avoid dumping aquariums or live bait into waterways. Learn more at Habitattitude.org.
- Don’t move firewood – instead, buy it where you’ll burn it, or gather on site when permitted. Learn more at DontMoveFirewood.org.
- Use forage, hay, mulch, and soil that are certified as “weed free.”
- Plant only non-invasive plants in your garden, and remove any known invaders.
- Report new or expanded outbreaks to the Oregon Invasive Species Hotline. Early detection is the key to success!
- Volunteer to help remove invasive species from public lands and natural areas. Your local watershed council provides many volunteer opportunities!
- Talk to your political representatives at the state, local, and national level about your concerns related to invasive species control efforts.
Take a look at The Terrible Twelve in this brochure below!
Looking for alternative to invasive plants? This Gardensmart guide has answers for you!
Want to Learn More? – Check out the NISAW 2022 Webinar Series
Daily webinars will be offered this week to help those interested in deepening their understanding around invasive species. Each webinar is free but registration is required.
- Monday, February 28th at 10:00 am central – USGS Decision Science – Modeling and Structured Decision Making
- Tuesday, March 1st at 11:00 am central – Climate Change and Invasive Species
- Wednesday, March 2nd at 11:00 am central – Protect the Uninfested West from Aquatic Invasive Species
- Thursday, March 3rd at 12:00 pm central – Pacific Green Crab Management
- Friday, March 4th at 11:00 am central – Firewood Rules, Certifications, and Recommendations across the USA
Our mission: We help people conserve and use natural resources sustainably today and for future generations.