Invasive plant spraying on forests starts soon

The Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests and Crooked River National Grassland will begin implementing herbicide treatments for 2013, beginning the week of May 6 th. .

A total of 112 sites on approximately 2,475 acres have been identified for herbicide and manual treatments across the two Forests and Grassland.

Treatments will be implemented following the design features in the Record of Decision for the 2012 Invasive Plant Treatment project. Treatment sites will be signed at the time of treatment.

The majority of the herbicide treatments will be spot application using backpack sprayers and OHVs.

In areas where the dominant plant community is invasive species, application may be completed by broadcast spraying.

Hand pulling will occur within protected areas, such as stream buffers, and as a follow-up treatment at some sites.

“The vast majority of treatment will consist of spot spraying weeds along road shoulders with the herbicide Transline. Transline is a selective herbicide that targets four plant families and does not harm grasses,” said Deb Mafera, Invasive Plant Coordinator for the two Forests and Grassland.

Some treatments will occur on newly mapped sites through an Early Detection/Rapid Response strategy.

According to Mafera, it is ideal to treat infestations before they become large, therefore reducing the time and cost associated with treatment, as well as potential damage to the ecosystem from the new infestation.

For maps and a list of sites, visit the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland website at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/centraloregon/landmanagement/?cid=stelprdb5302243.

For more information on treatments, contact Deb Mafera, Invasive Plant Coordinator for the Deschutes National Forest and Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland, at (541) 416-6588.