By Brian Hoop
Marshall Johnson, a Natural Resource Ecologist with Portland Parks and Recreation, joined the September Linnton neighborhood meeting to share information about the City’s efforts to clear invasive vegetation in Forest Park adjoining Linnton residential areas with an herbicide containing glyphosate.
This was new information to many at the meeting that herbicides would be used as part of the City’s effort to reduce wildfire fuels. Though the spraying already took place by the end of September, we will have time on the agenda of our November 1 Linnton neighborhood meeting to discuss your concerns and options to engage with the City in the future about the use of herbicides in close proximity to residential areas.
The response from residents about the use of herbicides in close proximity to their homes seemed to be mixed. Some expressed concern about the toxicity of glyphosate, which is marketed under the “AquaNeat” brand name. Others acknowledged the use was warranted to slow the spread of invasive ivies and black berries.
Several neighbors reached out to Johnson after the meeting asking the City to refrain from spraying near their properties and use manual removal methods. They reported a willingness on the part of the Parks Department to alter their plans for herbicide application around concerned homeowners’ sites.
Johnson reported the use of the herbicides was acceptable as part of the City’s Integrated Pest Management program. Not everyone was convinced by reassurances of safety protocols followed by the work crews and that posting of signs along the spray area would protect neighbors and Forest ecology.
All in attendance seemed to acknowledge the ongoing need for active management in the battle against invasives. Johnson reported City crews would return in the winter of 2023-24 to plant 60,000 natives of which 80% would be sword ferns.
To learn more about Portland Parks and Recreation’s Integrated Pest Management program: https://www.portland.gov/parks/nature/integrated-pest-management