Projects & Services
Forest Service Invasive Plant Management
Cooperative weed management has been ongoing with the USDA Forest Service on the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District and Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. Weed awareness, survey, control, site restoration and monitoring are important components of this program. The major focus is managing Scotch broom, Spotted knapweed and other noxious weed populations on trailheads, campgrounds and roadsides from which weed seeds can travel through the forest. Other partners in this effort include, Mt. Rainier National Park and the Washington State Department of Transportation.
WSDA Invasive Knotweed Control
Knotweed is an aggressive noxious weed that spreads quickly, shades out native plants and destroys habitat. It threatens riparian areas where it can survive flood events and then colonize the disturbed areas of shores and islands. The Lewis County Noxious Weed Control Board is working with the Washington State Department of Agriculture to control invasive knotweed in the Upper Cowlitz River, Upper Chehalis River, and South Fork Chehalis River Watersheds. The project works with landowners to survey, identify and control knotweed on properties adjacent to these river systems and other lands that serve as sources to spread knotweed.
Firewise Lewis County
With the threat of wildfire ever present in our forest communities, a program to present wildfire education and prevention information to Lewis County residents is underway. The project focuses on showing homeowners and local communities how to establish fire-resistant landscapes that provide a wildfire protection zone around the home. The weed program assists with the project by helping landowners address and manage Scotch broom, which is a highly flammable invasive plant.
For more information
Community Forest Stewardship
The overall goal of the Community Forest Stewardship Program (CFSP) is to educate future generations of Lewis County families on the social, economic, and environmental value of sustainable community forestlands by increasing the public’s understanding of the beneficial role trees and forestlands play in maintaining watershed health. Invasive plant species such as English ivy and clematis are recognized as threats that can cause a decline in forest health. Through this community forest education, it is hopeful that community members will develop skills and abilities that will empower them to protect and manage their community forests.