07/16/07 Oregon's Invasion

Oregon's Invasion. I'm Greg Martin with today's Line On Agriculture. Thanks to the state legislature, Oregon has a new tool in the battle against invasive species. The issue of invasive species in Oregon is gaining traction with the public and, apparently, legislators. Lawmakers have agreed to fund a position to coordinate activities of the Invasive Species Council, whose chair, Dan Hilburn of the Oregon Department of Agriculture, says more and more people know about the negative impact non-native organisms have on the state. HILBURN: There's weed issues, there's invasive insect issues, there's nutria in people's back yards. So I don't think its one particular thing. But if you add all that up together, it's been like a groundswell of awareness. The Invasive Species Council is made up of public and private sector specialists who coordinate activities targeting threatening species. Hilburn says the new position will be a big help. HILBURN: So this has always been a sidelight for all the folks on the council, whether they are agency or industry. But it has needed somebody whose job it was to really promote it on a full year around basis. The new coordinator, expected to be hired by the end of the summer, will have administrative duties, be a chief spokesperson for the council in implementing education and outreach programs, and will be pursuing grants for invasive species projects. The public will continue to have an important role in reporting any sightings of invasive species. Hilburn says the Invasive Species Council has also just released its annual list of the 100 most dangerous species threatening to invade Oregon. The list alerts the public to be on the lookout for these species and has helped raise awareness. HILBURN: We have always focused on the prevention piece- here are the things we don't want to come in. And it's gained some traction. Hilburn says the list of the 100 most dangerous species contains things that either have never shown up in Oregon, have shown up but have eradicated, or are present at this time but undergoing eradication efforts. In all cases, these species have not become established in Oregon. HILBURN: I occasionally get some feedback on the list that you've missed the mark totally- Scotch broom isn't on here, blackberry isn't on here, starlings aren't on there. But ah, that's another list. Those are things that have come in and are pests and damaging and causing economic harm now. But this list is designed to keep the next one of those from entering the state. That's today's Line On Agriculture. I'm Greg Martin on the Northwest Ag Information Network.