I can get samples and/or photos if necessary but is pretty obvious what they are

Reporter
Nov. 2, 2009, 1 a.m.

Nanette,

Thank you for submitting your report to the Oregon Invasives Hotline. Invasive Species like Blackberry and Scotch broom are widespread throughout Clackamas County and dramatically alter our native ecosystem and adversely effect the viability of agricultural commodities. I am empathetic to the situation you described and unfortunately it occurs all to often within the County. As you recognize weeds spread across the landscape and pay no attention to property lines and boundaries, but unfortunately as weed managers we do not enjoy the same luxury.

The Clackamas Conservation District currently offers technical assistance to willing landowners to control weeds on their property, where we help facilitate more effective weed management. With unwilling landowners there is currently no regulatory authority in place for mandating control. That said, I would be more than happy to offer my services to your neighbor and to provide them with information on hoe to better manage their invasive weeds.

I encourage you to continue to work with your neighbor and seek compromises to address invasive species concerns in a concerted manner. Cooperative efforts are generally the most productive means for achieving success. I am including a list of management resources and I encourage you to share them with your neighbor.

Blackberry Factsheet: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pdf/ec/ec1594-e.pdf
Scotch Broom Factsheet: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pdf/ec/ec1598-e.pdf
Canada Thistle Factsheet: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pdf/ec/ec1590-e.pdf
Bull Thistle Factshet: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pdf/ec/ec1588-e.pdf

Again thank you for your time in reporting this infestation. We appreciate your efforts and we will do everything we can to help address this concern. Please feel free to contact me if you have additional questions.

Thanks
Samuel Leininger
WeedWise Program Manager
Clackamas Conservation District

Samuel Leininger
Nov. 4, 2009, 2:36 a.m.