Invasive plant spraying along the Willamette to continue next week
The city of Salem is treating the Willamette Slough for an invasive water plant and is advising people to steer clear of the slough July 18-22. (Courtesy/city of Salem)
The city of Salem is asking residents to use caution around the Willamette Slough and Minto Brown Island Park next week as an effort to control an invasive plant species continues.
The city will be spraying an aquatic-approved herbicide from July 18-22 in an effort to stem the spread of the invasive Ludwigia plant, also know as creeping water primrose.
According to the city, the plant has clogged the Willamette Slough, reducing recreation opportunities and habitat quality. The dense plants impede water movement, block growth of native plants and reduce dissolved oxygen deemed essential for other aquatic organisms.
This will be the third series of treatments for the area. In 2019, Willamette Riverkeeper, partnering with the city, received three years of funding to restore the slough.
Spraying began in 2020.
“The goal is to control the spread of this highly invasive plant within the Willamette Slough and reduce its spread to downstream locations in the Willamette River,” a statement on the city’s website about the project reads.
Funding, provided through the Meyer Memorial trust and Bonneville Power Administration, was recently extended for a fourth year to allow for the planting of ative riparian vegetation along the edges of the slough.
An additional treatment is tentatively scheduled for the last full week in August.
From July 18-22, visitors to the area are asked to stay on the main trails and not attempt to access the slough. More information about the project is available on the city’s website.
-Caitlyn May
