Why weed free forage?
Noxious weeds infest millions of acres in Oregon and continue to spread into healthy agricultural, timber, and rangeland, causing major economic impact. Noxious weeds also invade watersheds, negatively impacting wildlife and native plants. Our first line of defense to protect both our economy and ecosystem from weed invasion is “prevention”. The use of weed-free hay and straw is one very important prevention strategy for protection of natural resources. Many cooperators in Oregon request certified weed-free straw to be used in restoration projects and for all hay brought onto federal lands. Cooperators include the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). The USFS suggests that certified hay be available to equestrians using the “back county” in an effort to prevent weed introductions via contaminated hay. The USFS Invasive Plant Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) includes a major emphasis on prevention. As of January
