Narrative for Wallowa Resources’
National Fire Plan Grant Application
June 14, 2002
Oregon is under siege by invaders with names such as Scotch thistle, diffuse knapweed and leafy spurge. These non-native noxious weed species are crowding out resident plant species at a rapid pace. The spread of invasive weed species has been described as a “biological wildfire ranging out of control” and an “explosion in slow motion.” In any terms, the spread of invasive weeds has become a biological emergency for Oregon’s natural resources, our economy and our communities. Weeds often proliferate following wild land fire. Reducing post-fire weed spread is one of the best ways to keep relatively uninfested land from becoming seriously infested. It is common knowledge that various plants respond differently to fire. However, all too often, weeds rapidly infest burned areas frequently causing vast and permanent damage. Factors like an ideal seed bed, reduced competition from native plants, disturbance from fire suppression activities and increased nutrients released by the fire, all combine to make conditions ideal for weed seed to germinate and flourish following fire.
The ability to re-establish a native plant community following fire is critical.
As is the case with many plant species, plants that are acclimated and native to an area stand a much greater chance of survival when used in restoration activities. A native seed source for use in Wallowa County is not available. The lack of a local native seed source has been a key obstacle for a number of private landowners and public land managers engaged in revegetation restoration efforts. The high cost of native seed source also serves as a barrier to its use. By providing a local source and creating the opportunity for competition, it is possible that costs could be reduced.
It is anticipated that the ultimate purchasers of native grass seed will be the Forest Service,
Bureau of Land Management, the Nez Perce Tribe, and private landowners including The
Nature Conservancy. However, it is prudent to perform market research and develop a business plan to grow and market the product.
Wallowa County is economically distressed. Wallowa County’s economy is ranked 35 th
out of 36 Oregon counties and has among the lowest per capita income and job growth in
Oregon. Wallowa County’s unemployment is currently 15%, the highest rate in Oregon.
Natural resource producers, contractors and subsidiary companies could benefit from further diversifying the products grown and manufactured and the work opportunities available in the community. Providing a native seed source that is readily available for restoration of fire disturbed landscapes could reduce the potential for noxious weed invasion as well as harmful erosion. The process for propagating native seed involves a longer-term investment of time.
Three plantings are required prior to an actual harvest. Therefore, it is prudent to lease land from growers in the initial stages of this project and contract with them to perform the work.
This will allow some return to be received from their lands in the interim.
The seed cultivation program should be self-sustaining, with farmers growing seed and selling it directly to the public agencies and other landowners engaged in restoration if this project is successful.