ODNR Division of Forestry Invasive Plants Homepage


What is the ODNR Division of Forestry doing to address the invasive plants issue?
 
Approximately 60 species of invasive plants have been identified in Ohio. These plants cause extensive economic damage and do immeasurable harm to our natural resources and the natural heritage of our state. The Ohio Division of Forestry is tackling the invasive plant problem on two fronts. We are providing stewardship-oriented assistance to private woodland owners in Ohio to help them control invasive plants on their properties. And we are helping Ohio communities address the issue of invasive plants in the urban forest. These strategies are consistent with the Division of Forestry mission to promote and apply management for the sustainable use and protection of Ohio’s private and public forest lands.

A special 22-county invasive plant project area has been delineated in south east and south central Ohio. This project area was chosen because of the high proportion of forest cover in this part of the state, the proximity to state and federal forest lands, and the high stewardship value of forests in these counties.

ODNR Foresters can help forest landowners identify invasive plants in their woodlands and provide guidance on controlling them. Private woodland owners within the 22-county project area can contact the invasive plant forester for assistance. Private woodland owners with property outside of the 22-county area can contact their service forester for assistance. In addition, special cost share funds will be available through the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) to help offset the cost of invasive plant removal on privately owned forestland within the 22-county area. This program is administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

Invasive plants also cause economic and environmental damage in communities (pdf). A survey of 47 community administrators' knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitudes with respect to invasive plants was recently conducted within the 22-county project area using an Urban Invasive Plant Assessment (pdf).  Survey results (pdf) will be used to develop programs to educate community leaders and their service department staff members on invasive plant issues such as identification and control.

 
Honeysuckle field invasion

Woodland Invasive Species Program Launched to Promote Healthier Forests in 22-County Area 03/31/09 Nearly $1 million in federal landowner assistance funds and technical advice from a forester are available in a 22-county area in central and southeastern Ohio.