Description

Invasive plants are a prevelant issue throughout the state of Oregon. According to the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA), "the introduction of non-native invasive plants has increased dramatically in the past decade because of the increased ease and speed of world travel and the expansion of global commerce. Local spread of noxious weeds can be natural by wind, water, and animals; but human activities such as, recreation, vehicle travel, and the movement of contaminated equipment, products, and livestock often greatly increase the distance and rate of dispersal."

Common invasive plant species present in Benton County include (but are not limited to):

• Knapweeds
• Thistles
• English hawthorn
• Tansy ragwort
• Scotch broom
• Himalayan and cutleaf blackberry
• Oxeye daisy
• Poison hemlock
• Various non-native annual and perennial grasses

To help relieve the ecological and financial burden of managing invasive species, Benton Soil and Water Conservation District (BSWCD) has set aside funds to award up to $2,000 to recipients of this pilot invasive plant species control grant. Successful candidates will receive both grant funds and ongoing support during the grant period from BSWCD staff, including planning help, site visits, connecting to resources, and more. A final report with receipts and photo documentation must be submitted to BSWCD at the conclusion of the project.

Eligibility

This grant will be awarded to individuals who meet the following requirements:

• Own, manage, or have permission to conduct projects in a location in Benton County (any amount of land, from yards to acreage).
• Have a desire to reduce, control, or eliminate the presence of one or more invasive species on permissible property.
• Private individuals and those representing community organizations, schools, and Tribal Nations are all welcome to apply.

Eligible Practices

Eligible practices under this grant include:

• Renting/purchasing small tools to aid in invasive plant removal (up to 25% of the total amount requested)
• Hiring contractors to perform invasive species removal work
• Purchasing native plant materials (seeds, bare roots, potted plants) to replace invasive plants once removed
• Hiring contractors to perform native species revegetation work 

Deadline

Eligible applications must be received by Tuesday, September 2nd by 11:59 PM.

Helpful resources

We have provided a number of useful resources for planning, installing, and maintaining native pollinator habitats on the right side of this page. We highly encourage you to review these resources before applying.

If you have questions about if your proposed project is eligible for this grant, please email Cierra Dawson at cierra@bentonswcd.org or call 541-753-7208 ext. 203 for consultation.

Application