State noxious weed board to consider changes

The Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board (WSNWCB) will hold a public hearing on Nov. 4 in Wenatchee to take comments on proposed rule-making changes to the 2015 state noxious weed list.

Large, ornamental grasses, which have recently become invasive in Washington, make up the bulk of this year’s proposed additions to the list.

The hearing will be 1-3 p.m. Nov. 4 in the Confluence Technology Center, 285 Technology Center Way, Wenatchee.

There are four proposed additions to the 2015 state noxious weed list.

1. Ravenna grass (Saccharum ravennae) is a large, nonnative, perennial, ornamental grass that has recently escaped in eastern Washington. Ravenna grass is being considered as a Class A noxious weed, which would require its eradication to eliminate existing populations and prevent its spread in the state.

2. Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) is a large, nonnative, perennial bunch grass with showy plumes, and is commonly used in ornamental plantings. It is a known invasive species in California and is also escaped in Oregon. Last year, escaped populations of pampas grass were discovered in western Washington, with the largest infestation having almost 500 plants. Most ornamental pampas grass plants are female, and the seeds causing these escaped populations may be from the recent introduction of pollinating male plants. Pampas grass is being considered as a Class C noxious weed. The WSNWCB does not require control of Class C noxious weeds, but the listing will raise awareness about pampas grass. County noxious weed control boards would have the option of requiring control where it is a local concern.

3. Jubata grass (Cortaderia jubata) is also a large, nonnative, perennial bunchgrass that is occasionally used as an ornamental species in Washington. It is a listed noxious weed in California and Oregon, with the largest infestations occurring along the coast. Due to the similarity in appearance and impacts of jubata and pampas grass, it, too, is being considered as a Class C noxious weed.

4. Italian arum (Arum italicum) is a toxic, nonnative, perennial groundcover that was originally introduced as an ornamental plant. While its spread appears to be moderate, it is very difficult to control once established in the landscape. It is naturalized in a number of western Washington counties and appears to be establishing infestations more rapidly. It is being considered as a Class C noxious weed, which would raise awareness and promote control.

The board will also be considering the reclassification of shiny geranium (Geranium lucidum) from a Class A noxious weed to a Class B noxious weed and a few designation changes of Class B noxious weeds in Cowlitz, King, and Okanogan counties.

It is also considering extending board officer positions from one year to two years.

Visit http://www.nwcb.wa.gov/whatsNew.html for more information about the listing proposals and how to comment.