Articles
We Stop the Threat of Noxious Weeds
Wallowa Canyonlands Partnership Members
• Wallowa Resources
• Private Landowners
• Wallowa County
• Bureau of Land Management
• United States Forest Service
• Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
• The Nature Conservancy
• Tri-county
• Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
• Oregon Department of Agriculture
• Asotin County
• Nez Perce Tribe
Weeds threaten the vitality of working lands, can increase erosion, reduce food availability to wildlife and livestock, and alter natural processes, like fire. The Wallowa Canyonlands Partnership (WCP) work across state lines and with partners to stop the threat of noxious weeds. Our goal is to work together using various techniques to control weeds and slow their invasion. Neighbors helping neighbors to ensure weeds do not spread is an unique, innovative approach. In working with partners, we have treated over 15,000 acres in Oregon and Washington.
Weeds Threaten Rugged Country
Wallowa Canyonlands Partnership is a cooperative weed management area, which includes the canyon grasslands of the Snake, Imnaha, and Lower Grande Ronde River watersheds. This is rugged country with steep terrain. We focus on the river corridors because rivers easily transport seeds. Floods bring weeds downriver and create a seed bed, thus spreading weeds. Stopping weeds along rivers is high priority. Reaching this rugged country is challenging. To do this work, we hire local contractors to access the country through foot and horse travel, rafting the rivers, and flying in by helicopter.
Working Together to Stop the Threat
We cannot stop weeds alone. Working across fence lines and learning from one another is the only way to stop this invasion. WCP is a group of various individuals, agencies, and organizations working together to manage noxious weeds. We set priorities, create maps, monitor treatment, and implement on-the-ground weed control. Our collaborative efforts make a difference. Every year, we treat over 1,500 acres and put local contractors to work, contributing on average $225,00 per year into the local economy. Neighbors helping neighbors is our way in treating noxious weeds and improving working lands across fence lines.
Many Methods Are Used to Stop the Threat
It takes more than one method to stop the threat of weeds. Weeds have extensive root systems, which can sprout even after tops have been destroyed. Some weed seeds remain viable for many years. Due to this, we employ different techniques to stop their threat and slow their invasion, which is also called integrated weed management. We control weeds by physical methods (i.e. pulling or chopping), chemical methods (i.e. spraying), and biological methods (releasing a plant's native insect predator). Many times we use all three techniques. It is challenging but we are reducing their threat to working lands.
You Too Can Stop the Threat
We cannot do this alone; we need your help in stopping this threat. First, learn the top ten weeds threatening Wallowa County. Second, learn how you can stop the threat on your property. Third, become a Weed Bounty Hunter and be a part of protecting our working lands.
Weed Bounty Hunters help the Wallowa Canyonlands Partnership by reporting new weed sites. To qualify, you must know or be willing to learn the top ten noxious weeds threatening Wallowa County. It pays to know your weeds because you can receive $200 if you a report a new site. To become a Weed Bounty Hunter, contact us.
