Hello Judy,

Thank you for your report of the knapweed problem here in Hood River.

As you know, the Port, County and Hood River SWCD are aware of the knapweed (diffuse, meadow, Russian and spotted) populations at these sites and throughout Hood River County. While they are B & T listed weeds at the state level, they have become so widespread in our area that the Columbia Gorge Cooperative Weed Management Area has designated them "common" weeds. Unfortunately, these weeds occur across the landscape at a level where eradication, containment or control is not economically feasible. Management focuses on removing them from ecologically, socially and economically important sites and slowing their spread through prevention actions. When available, biological controls should be used.

I applaud your efforts to eradicate it on and around your property. I know you have struggled with this plant for some time now. As always, we appreciate you keeping an eye out for this plant and other noxious weeds. Reporting weeds early is the best defense we have against the populations exploding like knapweed has in our county. I wish someone had jumped on knapweed when it was still a controllable population.

If you have further concerns or would like to discuss this matter more, please feel free to contact us.

Thank you,

Jordan Kim
Assistant Manager
Hood River SWCD
541-386-4588
jordan@hoodriverswcd.org

Jordan Kim
Nov. 7, 2013, 5:43 a.m.