Reporting Noxious Weeds

https://southcoastcwma.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/cropped-CWMA-WhiteCenter-WhiteRing.png

The South Coast CWMA region is just as fragile as it is beautiful. One of the most pressing threats comes from invasive and non-native plant species, which adversely affect native plant and animal communities, impact water quality, impair forest and agricultural productivity, and subsequently negatively affect the economy. Plants classified as “noxious” are those that the Oregon State Weed Board has designated as the highest priority for weed control because of the dangers they pose to our local communities and economies.

We need your help

The first step to controlling invasive species is knowing where they are! We use an approach called “Early Detection, Rapid Response” (EDRR), which is a way to target and remove species of concern before they become established. Catching noxious weeds early on gives us a lot more chances of eradicating them; as time goes on, our control options become much more limited. We rely heavily on our community members and state, federal, and private partners to report sightings to help us stay ahead.

Highest priority species to report

Some noxious weeds pose more of a threat to our local landscapes than others, and the Oregon Department of Agriculture has established a classification system ("A," "B," and "T" weeds) to help with prioritization.

We’d especially like your help reporting the following species:

CAPE IVY (A/T) – if seen in Coos or Curry County
PATERSON'S CURSE (A/T) – if seen in Coos or Curry County
MATGRASS (A/T) – if seen in Coos or Curry County
GORSE (B/T) – if seen outside of the core infestation zones (red areas of map below)
"CURRY'S MOST WANTED" - report these if seen in Curry County (see below)

How to report

If you think you've seen one of the high priority species listed above, it's better safe than sorry! When it comes to this list of priority species, the stakes are high because of the damage they can do in our coastal communities. Please reach out to a noxious weed professional in your area, who can easily verify your sighting, or use the buttons below.

Coos Bay/North Bend and surrounding areas

Coos Watershed Association: www.cooswatershed.org (contact person pending)

Bandon, Coquille, Powers, Myrtle Point, and surrounding areas

Coquille Watershed Association: [email protected]

Curry County (New River to Brookings)

Curry Watersheds Partnership: [email protected]

Report by Phone

Report by Form

Lower priority for reporting

There are also many species of common, widespread noxious weeds that you can identify, remove, and replace (no need to report locations). Check out our About Weeds page to browse through plant profiles, or click on the names below for specific info and recommendations for each plant.