Hello Mr. McCafferty,

Thank you for reporting this infestation of Scotch Broom. This species is a problem invader that many landowners are forced to contend with throughout Clackamas County. The Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District is working with regional partners to map and catalog known infestations of Scotch broom to help prioritize future control efforts.

Scotch broom is one of our most common and widespread invaders. The long-lived nature of the seeds, also make it difficult to control. Unfortunately, the resources available to actively target this invader are limited in relation to the overall need. As such as we must rely on the affected land owners to manage this species on their own property, but can offer technical assistance to landowners to make their efforts more effective.

Along Lolo Pass Road we are currently working with the Oregon Department of Agriculture to maintain populations of a biological control agents to target Scotch broom seeds. There are currently two biological controls established in that area, which help reduce seed production and slow the spread of Scotch broom

For more detailed information on Scotch Broom follow the links below:

http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/PLANT/WEEDS/pages/profile_scotchbroom.aspx

http://your.kingcounty.gov/dnrp/library/water-and-land/weeds/BMPs/Scotch-Broom-Control.pdf

Please feel free to contact me directly if you have additional questions. All the best and thanks again for your report,

Sam

______________________________________

Samuel Leininger
WeedWise Program Manager
Clackamas Soil & Water Conservation District
221 Molalla Ave. Suite 102
Oregon City, OR 97045
503-210-6006
sleininger@conservationdistrict.org
www.conservationdistrict.org
______________________________________

Samuel Leininger
June 13, 2013, 7:38 a.m.