SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Invasive Weed Awareness Week is May 14-19, 2023. During this time, Oregonians should learn more about the devastating effects of these aggressive and harmful invaders, what is being done at the local, state and national level to fight back, and finally, what they can do to help to protect the Oregon we all love.
ODA’s Noxious Weed Control staff and various partners work hard year-round to educate the public on how to prevent and control the spread of invasive weeds to protect our ecosystems and, ultimately, our economy. Studies indicate that the economic impact of just 25 noxious weeds in Oregon has been estimated to reduce Oregonian’s income by $83.5 million per year, equivalent to 1,900 jobs lost to Oregon’s economy.
Invasive weeds can have a negative impact in a variety of ways. For example, invasive weeds are known to:
- Displace native vegetation
- Reduce crop yields
- Harm fish and wildlife
- Reduce forage for livestock and wildlife
- Decrease property values
- Increase erosion
- Decrease water quality and quantity
- Limit land use
Invasive plant species quickly spread and can displace native plants and prevent native plant growth. Too many of the same plant species in an ecosystem rob the soil of nutrients needed to maintain fertile soil. A healthy ecosystem has a variety of trees, herbs, and shrubs.
Help protect native plants and animals by following six guidelines:
- Verify that the plants you are buying are not invasive. You can use our online noxious weed profiles as a guide.
- When boating, clean your boat thoroughly before transporting it to a different body of water.
- Clean your shoes before hiking in a new area to eliminate hitchhiking weed seeds and pathogens.
- Don’t “pack a pest” when traveling.
- Don’t release aquarium fish and plants, live bait, or other exotic animals in the wild.
- Volunteer at your local Oregon Cooperative Weed Management Association, soil and water conservation district, park, refuge, or another wildlife area to help remove invasive species and help educate others about the threat.
Thank you to all our great noxious weed cooperators throughout Oregon who work to implement control projects that protect our watersheds, water resources, fish and wildlife, and agricultural economy!
— ODA