Northwest Weed Management Partnership
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False Brome (Brachypodium sylvaticum) suppresses forest regeneration, degrades wildlife habitat and increases fire risk. (Photo © Greg Fitzpatrick, fitzpatg@juno.com) |
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Invasive and noxious weeds disrupt ecosystems and decrease the value of crops and farmlands. The Northwest Weed Managment Partnership (NWMP) promotes the identification and management of invasive plant species in northwest Oregon and southwest Washington, including the six counties in Cascade Pacific RC&D's area. |
How does it work?
To limit the spread of problem plants, natural resource managers work with concerned citizens and organizations throughout the region, helping them idenitify emerging invasive populations before they become a greater problem.
Part of this outreach program is a Web site, the Western Invasives Network, which includes
- Photos and information about invasive species,
- A map of invasive species by region,
- Interactive discussion groups, and much more.
In addition, the NWMP Coordinator facilitates workshops and field trips, distributes information, and participates in working groups that conduct inventory, mapping and prevention activies; share technical information on control methodologies, and support biocontrol research efforts. |
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Hawkweeds (Hieracium sp.) out-compete native species for water and nutrients. Their decaying leaves release toxic chemicals. (Photo © Mandy Tu, The Nature Conservancy) |
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Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) grows 15 to 20 feet tall. Its sap can cause severe burns and blistering. This plant also increases soil erosion along stream banks and crowds out native species. (Photo © Oregon Department of Agriculture) |
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Who's involved?
NWMP is an informal network of individuals, government entities, organizations and businesses guided by a Steering Committee. Currently, the Steering Committee includes Cascade Pacific RC&D (which also acts as the fiscal agent for the Partnership), Soil and Water Conservation Districts, The Nature Conservancy, Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Forest Service.
NWMP is an umbrella organization that assisted in the formation of six Cooperative Weed Management Areas (CWMAs) in northwest Oregon and southwest Washington which plan and execute local invasive weed management projects.
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K-12 Curriculum available
See the K-12 weed curriculum, Alien Invasions: Plants on the Move. It's available at http://weedinvasion.org/weeds/weed_home.php.
Want to help?
Visit the Western Invasives Network Web site for more information, or contact Vern Holm, NWMP Coordinator.
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