Camp Sherman goes after weeds

Community-minded Camp Sherman citizens are taking the law into their own hands. Weed law, that is.

Several species of exotic weeds, classified as "noxious" have shown up locally. Camp Sherman residents are doing their best to see that the undesirable plants do not gain a foothold in their area.

These "weed vigilantes" got their start last year and call themselves the Camp Sherman Noxious Weed Work Party.

According to spokesman Beth Van Campen, the group has about 20 members on a call list and six to 10 workers who are "pretty regular."

"Knapweed is the main focus," she said, "but we had a big swatch of Scotch broom around here. There was some over by the Camp Sherman Store and some by the Camp Sherman School, so it was starting to get around and we didn't want it to."

According to Forest Service ecologist Maret Pajutee, the Camp Sherman weed workers pulled, cut and dug out three truckloads of the unwanted weeds.

"On the west side of Oregon, there's a real problem with Scotch broom, and it's starting to take hold over here, especially in our moist, riparian areas," said Pajutee.

"It's wonderful that community members are taking the initiative to work on noxious weeds on private lands," Pajutee said. "Maybe it can make a difference."

Partnering with the weed vigilantes, U.S. Forest Service employees hauled the rogue weeds away in Forest Service vehicles.

Van Campen explained that, when one member of the weed workers spots an infestation, other members are contacted and a work party is put together.

"There are a few spots of knapweed that we plan to get to," Van Campen said. "We'll probably start on the toadflax, too; and we'll work on bull thistle as it shows up."

The Camp Sherman workers wear gloves and long sleeves as a safety precaution while bagging and hauling the weeds.

Many noxious weeds, especially knapweed, are harmful to the skin.

Part of last week's work party was conducted in the rain, but workers were rewarded for their diligence when a neighbor offered tea and cookies upon completion of the project.

Closer to town, Sisters resident Bruce Berryhill is concerned about the quantity of knapweed he sees sprouting up around town.

Berryhill is doing his best to help educate citizens about the problem.

"If you see any color on the plants," Berryhill said, "you have to dispose of them. If the flower has started to open up in the least little bit, it will start to produce seeds even if you pull them."

Pajutee stresses the importance of citizen involvement and education. The best thing to do is nip the problem in the bud, literally.

"Noxious weeds reduce biodiversity and limit habitat for many plants and animals because the weeds just take over," she said.

In some areas, such as Montana, millions of acres of rangeland have been rendered barren and useless by knapweed.