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| Volunteers Adopt-A-Highway for noxious weed removal |
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| 10/04/2010 |
October 4, 2010 For more information: Rick Little (541) 726-2442
10-252-R2 email at: mailto:richard.little@odot.state.or.us
OR 36 residents “Adopt-A-Highway” for noxious weed removal
SPRINGFIELD— Residents along a stretch of OR 36 near Triangle Lake School are joining with two local non-profit groups to remove noxious weeds under ODOT’s expanded “Adopt-A-Highway” program. The effort could result in an even greater reduction in the use of herbicides along that highway.
A first-of-its-kind in Lane County, the volunteer effort will combine the work of residents with the Oregon Toxics Alliance and Walama Restoration Project, two environmental action and education groups.
The volunteers will “adopt” an eight mile section of OR 36, between mileposts 24 and 32, and will target the control of Meadow Knapweed and Diffuse Knapweed, two of the species listed as “noxious” by the Oregon Department of Agriculture. The volunteers will cut and bag the plants’ seed heads, thus eliminating the plants’ ability to reproduce and spread. ODOT crews will then collect and destroy the bags and their contents. Next spring, the volunteers will return to the corridor and remove the plants by pulling or digging.
“We applaud this volunteer effort and encourage other groups to join this program,” said ODOT District 5 Manager, Mike Spaeth.
Reduction of herbicide application is a consideration
In response to strong concerns and public requests, ODOT has already committed to reduce herbicide spraying by 60 percent along the length of OR 36.
ODOT is obligated, under law, to control noxious weeds. By adopting a portion of the highway and promising to control noxious weeds, the volunteers stand to reduce spraying by a larger amount.
“To be permitted to adopt the highway, the volunteers had to submit a detailed plan of action for controlling the noxious weeds,” said Spaeth. “If they are successful in controlling the Knapweed, ODOT won’t have to spray in that location.”
The Oregon Legislature created the Adopt-A-Highway program in 1991 to involve volunteers in beautifying Oregon’s highways by picking up litter. The 2009 Legislature expanded the Adopt-A-Highway program to include removal of noxious weeds. The change in law allows volunteers to pick up litter, remove noxious weeds, or both.
To learn more about the “Adopt-A-Highway” program, visit: http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/OOM/Adopt/AAH.shtml
To learn more about or contact Oregon Toxics Alliance, visit: http://www.oregontoxics.org/
To learn more about or contact Walama Restoration, visit: http://walamarestoration.org/
MEDIA NOTE:
Volunteers will be working on OR 36 this week. Walama’s crew leader and the team will be available for interviews on site Wednesday, October 6, 11:00-12:00 AM at the intersection of Horton Road and Highway 36 (between Milepost 31 and 32). Parking is available on Horton Road.
Contact the Oregon Toxics Alliance to coordinate photo/video coverage by calling 541-465-8860.
## ODOT ##
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