Inaction to ban European Beachgrass is in direct opposition to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s adopted Conservation Strategy.

The Oregon Conservation Strategy recognizes the dangers of European Beachgrass:

• Coastal dune communities have been altered dramatically through the introduction and spread of non-native European Beachgrass, which outcompetes native vegetation and stabilizes foredunes.
• In Oregon, approximately 90 percent of coastal dunes have been altered from their natural state since 1850.
• Non-native invasive species cause significant economic damage to landowners by degrading land productivity or values.
  The Conservation Strategy Recommends:
• Control key invasive plants using site-appropriate tools, such as mechanical (e.g., mowing, girdling, pulling), chemical, and biocontrol (for gorse) treatments.

It’s time for Oregon to get in step with its own Conservation Strategy!