Invasive weeds currently cost Oregonians millions of dollars each year. One recent estimate indicates that without intervention these will increase to $1.8 billion in personal income losses a year from degraded lands and reduced productivity. What is being done? A local effort is underway to help mitigate the impacts of these invasive weeds along the […]
The Clackamas River Basin is not without its fair share of invasive weeds. Thankfully, we have a hard working group of skilled land managers actively managing these invasive weeds. Formed in late 2015, the Clackamas River Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) was established to improve the coordination of weed management in the Clackamas Basin. This partnership […]
The Clackamas River Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) was formed to improve the management of invasive species within the Clackamas River watershed in northwestern Oregon. This partnership was initiated through the cooperative efforts of the Clackamas River Basin Council (CRBC) and the Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District (CSWCD), with additional funding and support from Metro regional government.
Prior to the group’s formation, the Clackamas River Basin Council and the Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District both had strong landowner assistance programs for control of priority invasive weeds and to restore riparian habitat in targeted areas of the watershed. Development of the CRISP has provided an opportunity to coordinate the efforts of these two organizations, as well as other partners across the Clackamas River watershed.
The first goal of the partnership was to identify current invasive species control efforts underway within the watershed. Tools such as online surveys and stakeholder meetings provided this information. Second, a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) of federal, state, regional, and local land managers convened to discuss existing efforts, long-term goals and outcomes, available resources, and management strategies. Information provided by the TAG served as the foundation for development of the Clackamas River Invasive Species Management Plan, a comprehensive approach for managing invasive species within the watershed. The TAG meetings revealed strong support for invasive species planning among participants. During these meetings, TAG members broadly agreed to participate in ongoing planning and implementation efforts. The partnership grew to include the 22 TAG members from 13 organizations.
In addition to the information provided by the TAG, a prioritization model known as the Weed Heuristics: Invasive Population Prioritization for Eradication Tool (WHIPPET), developed in California, was adapted for use within the Clackamas River watershed. The WHIPPET model helped prioritize infestations of 19 priority invasive species based on their potential impact, potential spread, and feasibility of control. Criteria related to specific populations, the ecology of the invasive species, and the quality of the area under threat, were all included in the WHIPPET model analysis.
Due to the size and complexity of the watershed, as well as resource scarcity, CRISP partners also sought to prioritize specific geographic areas for action. They ranked sub-watersheds based on:
The findings of this assessment were considered alongside additional factors including partner investments and engagement resulted in the establishment of four priority areas within the Clackamas River watershed.
Japanese knotweed growing along Deep Creek. Photo by Clackamas River Basin Council
Action plans created for each of the four priority areas were based on land use, the likelihood of invasive species introduction, survey and control needs, and restoration opportunities. These priority area action plans collectively form the Clackamas River Invasive Species Management Plan, which was completed in 2015. This plan outlines a clear and objective approach to managing invasive species in the Clackamas River watershed.
In order to implement the management plan, the CRISP sought funding to treat invasive weeds within the Clackamas River Basin. In 2016, the CRISP secured $431,250 in grant funding through the Clackamas River Hydroelectric Project Mitigation and Enhancement Fund to support implementation over the next five years. To support this grant, several CRISP partners also committed resources to the project. Commitments included $300,000 in cash and in-kind services from the Clackamas SWCD, $292,500 of in-kind services from Clackamas River Basin Council, and $145,000 in cash and in-kind services from Metro. Additionally, the BLM awarded a partner agreement to Clackamas SWCD totaling $8,500 to CRISP in 2016, which is renewable pending available funding. This agreement is part of a larger funding pool that also includes weed control efforts in Sandy River Basin as well as administration of the Columbia Gorge CWMA and 4-County CWMAs.
Although the grant resources were unavailable until late in the 2016 field season, CRISP partners reported expending $448,850 in contracted weed control and restoration services in 2016. The total estimated CRISP-related activities reported by partners in 2016 totaled $737,608. This work supported weed management and related activities on 2,836 acres of public and private land. See the full 2016 CRISP Annual Report here. The 2017 Annual Report is now in progress and will be available soon.
In 2016, the CRISP grew from its origin as an advisory group supporting the CRISP Management Plan development effort to a partnership. This transformation required the development of basic infrastructure to support the goals and activities of the partnership. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlines the partnerships goals and structure and has now been signed by all partners. See the full CRISP MOU here.
To further enhance implementation efforts in the basin the Clackamas SWCD also hired a specialist to assist with implementation of CRISP-related activities. This CRISP specialist supports activities between partners and in identified gaps in management. The position was filled in
mid-December 2016 and will support the partnership moving forward into the five-year grant-funded implementation cycle.
Planning of cooperative implementation activities is currently underway for the 2018 field season.
Samuel Leininger
WeedWise Program Manager
Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District
sleininger@conservationdistrict.org
503-210-6006
Suzi Cloutier
Outreach and Stewardship Specialist
Clackamas River Basin Council
503-303-4372 x105
The management of invasive weeds can be daunting task. Invasive species are spreading across the landscape. They ignore political and property boundaries, and when left unmanaged spread freely from neighbor to neighbor. This unchecked movement, necessitates the need for strong partnerships and collaboration across political boundaries and across our region. The WeedWise program is dedicated to partnering with local and regional entities to improve management of invasive weeds. We work with various organizations on a regular basis to facilitate more effective control. Below are just a few of the broad partnerships we support to improve management across our region. Thanks to all of our partners for their support and dedication to reducing the impact from invasive weeds.
The 4-County CWMA serves the greater Portland Metropolitan Area and includes Clackamas, Clark, Multnomah and Washington counties. The partnership has twenty-eight formal partners representing federal, state and local governments,watershed councils, universities and local non-profits organizations. The 4-County CWMA focuses on increasing collaboration and communication among land managers within the Portland metropolitan area. Issues related to urban weed management and public education are key areas of focus for the 4-County CWMA.
The WeedWise program has been a very active participant in the 4-County CWMA. The WeedWise program currently administers the 4-County CWMA on behalf of the partnership. All WeedWise program serves various leadership roles within the 4-County CWMA, including acting as CWMA Coordinator, Co-Chairing the CWMA Steering Committee, and Chairing the Mapping and Data Committee.
For more information about the 4-County CWMA visit their website at 4countycwma.org.
The Clackamas River Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) is a relatively new partnership focused specifically on invasive species management within the Clackamas River Basin. The CRISP has thirteen informal members organizations representing a diversity of interests across the Clackamas Basin. This partnership has recently completed a strategic management plan for the Clackamas Basin, that prioritizes efforts within the Basin based on partner participation, the threat of invasive weeds, and the quality of land within the basin. Work has begun to begin coordination of on-the-ground control efforts among partners, and to secure additional funding for future invasive weed control efforts.
The WeedWise program has assisted CRISP partners by helping to draft the strategic plan, including development of site and species prioritization models. Staff is currently helping to form sub-basin working groups, and to secure more funding to aid in future weed control efforts within the Clackamas Basin.
The Columbia Gorge Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA) is focused on collaborative weed management within the greater Columbia River Gorge. The Sandy River Watershed in northern Clackamas County is one of the areas highlighted for management. The Columbia Gorge CWMA has a strong focus on prevention and early detection of invasive weeds. With an estimated 2 million people visiting the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area each year, the CWMA focuses highly on education and outreach to the general public. Public land managers are working collaboratively across the area, to prevent the establishment of invasive weeds, and to respond to new invasions as soon as they are detected.
The WeedWise program is an active member of the Columbia Gorge CWMA. The WeedWise program currently administers the Columbia Gorge CWMA on behalf of the partnership. WeedWise program serve several leadership roles within the Columbia Gorge CWMA, including acting as CWMA Coordinator, and serving on the Steering Committee, and Education and Outreach Committees.
For more information about the Columbia Gorge CWMA please visit their website at columbiagorgecwma.org.
Understanding the distribution of invasive weeds is a critical component to effectively manage the dispersal and spread. The mapping of invasive weed populations allow us to understand if weeds spread by roads or streams, what types of habitats they invade, and were we might expect new infestations to occur. Oregon iMapInvasives has been a critical tool for the sharing and aggregation of invasive species distribution data. Originally championed by the Oregon Invasive Species Council, Oregon iMapInvasives is overseen by the Oregon Biodiversity Information Center and is supported by fourteen partners working through the state of Oregon. Continued development of iMapInvasives is also undertaken in cooperation from partners from eleven states or provinces.
The WeedWise program has been active partner of iMapInvasives since its introduction to the state. The Clackamas SWCD, has been an financial supporter of the program since inception, and remains a strong advocate for its use. WeedWise program staff have assisted the Oregon iMapInvasives in website testing, and enhancements to the database structure.
For more information about Oregon ImapInvasives check out the Oregon iMapInvasives Resources page at sites.google.com/site/orimapresources or check out the weed distribution data at imapinvasives.org/orimi/map
The Oregon Invasive Species Council is organization created in 2001 by the Oregon Legislature. The council is comprised of a seventeen member panel representing diverse interests across the state. The OISC considers impacts from all taxa including weeds, and they have championed many initiatives including the Oregon Invasive Species Hotline and Oregon iMapInvasives. The council has a strong focus on education and policy within Oregon related to invasive species management.
The WeedWise program currently serves as the county lead for the Oregon Invasives Species Hotline, and actively promotes its use. WeedWise program staff also serves on the council Advisory Committee to help inform decision making at the state level.
For more information about the Oregon Invasive Species Council, visit their website at oregoninvasivespeciescouncil.org.
The Pacific Northwest Invasives Plants Council is a grassroots organization dedicated to preventing the spread of invasive weeds in the Pacific Northwest. The PNW-IPC includes the states of Oregon, Washington, and Alaska and the provinces of British Columbia and Yukon. The primary focus of this organization is to inform the policy makers and the general public regarding invasive species related issues, and to promote communication between managers at the state and national levels.
The WeedWise program has partnered with the PNW-IPC to host a citizen science based trainings in Clackamas County for early detection efforts in the Mt. Hood National Forest. These efforts mirror similar efforts on other national forest in Washington. The WeedWise program is pleased to support expansion into Oregon.
For more information about the Pacific Northwest Invasive Plant Council visit their website at pnw-ipc.org
Play Clean Go is a national effort to prevent the spread of invasive species across the US. This partnership focuses on messaging of the threat of invasive species, and potential for spread from recreation. Originally developed in Minnesota, the Play Clean Go campaign has grown nationally to include more than 170 organizations working together to share a common message to prevent the spread of invasive species.
The WeedWise program formally joined the Play Clean Go campaign in 2015. We are currently working with other local partners to share this common messaging throughout our region.
For information about Play Clean Go, check their website at playcleango.org
The Sandy Basin Vegetation Restoration Coalition, was created to promote control of invasive weeds and to restore riparian vegetation throughout the Sandy River Basin. The SBVRC is comprised of members representing thirteen informal members organizations working with the Sandy Basin. The SBVRC has focused broadly on early detection and rapid response efforts, as well as on riparian restoration activities.
The WeedWise program has participated in the SBVRC since its inception. WeedWise program efforts have focused on early detection and rapid response efforts for priority weed species within Clackamas County.
The Western Invasive Network, previously known at the Northwest Weed Management Partnership is an organization dedicated to the creation and maintenance of Cooperative Weed Management Areas in western Oregon and southwestern Washington. The WIN serves as a technical resource and as a conduit for communication between land managers. The efforts of the WIN are intended to increase the capacity and continuity of invasive weed management across the region.
The WeedWise program currently oversees coordination of two CWMAs within the WIN. WeedWise staff work closely with share our efforts with other CWMAs throughout the region to promote the management of invasive weeds. WeedWise program staff has also previously served on the WIN steering committee to help with administration and planning for the partnership.
For more information about the Western Invasive Network visit their website at cascadepacific.org/western-invasives-network.
WAIN is comprised of natural resource and conservation professionals who work for diverse government agencies, universities, soil and water conservation districts, watershed councils, non-profits, and other organizations throughout the Willamette Basin. The purpose of the Willamette Aquatic Invasives Network is to: 1) Foster collaboration to share information, expertise, technologies, scientific data, and best management practices; 2) Develop strategies to protect aquatic resources; and 3) Restore riparian habitat in the Willamette River Basin.
The WeedWise program currently supports WAIN efforts through data sharing and consultation on data collection, protocols, and prioritization.
For more information about the Willamette Aquatic Invasives Network visit their website.
The WeedWise Program is dedicated to helping protect Clackamas County from the ongoing threat of invasive weeds. These projects are often based around the prevention or management or priority invasive weeds. We currently working on projects across the county, but focus largely on priority invasive weeds, priority sites, or on partnership projects.
Orange hawkweed control is an example of a priority weed control project underway at several locations in Clackamas County.
The priority weed control program focuses on the Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) of new or rare invasive weeds where the goal is either eradication or containment. These projects allow us to focus our resources for maximum impact. Priority weed control projects typically occur at the landscape level and impact multiple landowners either public or private. These project focus on the control and eradication of a priority weed species. Some examples of our current priority weed control projects include the active management of:
The priority weed control projects are one of our highest priorities and target all known infestations across the county or within a given management area.
The Bull Run Gate Project was initiated to protect the city of Portland’s municipal watershed from encroaching birds dispersed invasive weeds
Priority site projects are projects that are designed to protect areas of exceptional quality or of unique ecological, economic, or cultural importance. Some examples of projects that the WeedWise program is currently working on or have spearheaded in the past include:
The priority site project areas are typically local or regional significance and are designed to protect or buffer these areas from the encroachment or spread of invasive weeds. The goals of these projects is typically focused on exclusion and maintenance of natural areas within the project areas.
Knotweed control efforts undertaken in conjunction with the Clackamas River Invasive Species Partnership, focus area project.
Partnership project are those projects that are typically undertaken in conjunction with local and regional partners. These projects are often complex and have diverse interests. These projects involve working in cooperation with partner organizations to implement projects across broad geographic areas or across jurisdictional boundaries. Examples of partnership projects include:
To learn more about our projects please check the project drop downs in the navigation menu above, or contact us about information pertaining to a particular project mentioned.
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