Our Opinion: More funding, awareness needed in weed fight
Tuesday, August 5, 2008 10:50 AM PDT
At first glance there may seem no more mundane subject for voters to review than the fight to eradicate noxious weeds.
Yet those who would dismiss the issue are blissfully ignorant of the massive impact noxious weeds carry for small counties across rural Oregon, in particular, and the West in general.
For one, the noxious weed problem is not someone else’s challenge.
It exists and, in some cases, thrives right here in the heartland.
Why the big deal though? Weeds are weeds, right?
The big deal is linked straight to an item we can all relate to: money. Noxious, or invasive weeds spark millions in damage to rangeland and crops every year.
Weeds harm delicate biological areas across the state and change soil and destroy native plants. Efforts to repair that damage costs money.
How can a local resident help? First, those of us who live in the rural areas of the state should have at least a fundamental understanding of the problem and be able to identify noxious weeds.
More than anything, though, area residents should be aware. Aware that noxious weeds are more than a nuisance. Aware that resources exist — at the county, state and federal level — to help those who want to get involved.
The fight to eradicate noxious weeds is a serious, long-term issue that needs the attention, and the funding from state and federal authorities, it deserves.
