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PLSO Issue 2 2015 March April

The Oregon Surveyor 20 | Vol. 38, No. 2, 2015 Answer: Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge encompasses approximately 170 acres just south of downtown Portland on the east side of the Willamette River. The wetlands are covered in an extremely invasive species known as Purple Loostrife which has emerged in recent years. All that is beautiful is not necessarily good. Sounds like surveying doesn’t it? That shiny brass cap might not be what is best! Oaks Bottom has an interesting history. It was destined for development as recently as 1969, but was saved by local residents and is now home to many species of birds, black tail deer, and other mammals. Oaks Bottom is a natural area ringed by trails which are open to both hiking and biking. It is also home to many natural species of flora and fauna, but that brings us back to the “beautiful” flowers pictured here. Purple Loostrife, while very pretty, is not good for Oaks Bottom or Oregon. It crowds out native species by forming impenetrable stands which are unsuitable for cover, food or nesting sites for a range of animals—both avian and mammals. The loostrife is under a biological attack to attempt to return the wetlands to a healthy status. Biocontrol measures include releasing thousands of beetles and weevils on the loostrife to destroy it and reduce its foothold. Chemicals or manual/ mechanical removal are intensive and costly thus not practical on this scale. With any luck the thousands of bugs being released on the invader will result in the return of a more natural state within the wetland over the next few years. Depending on available funding, the City of Portland plans several restoration projects for the wildlife area which will be under construction during 2016 and 2017. Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge lies adjacent to the Oaks Amusement Park and the Springwater Trail. It can be accessed from the amusement park, Spokane Street, Sellwood Park, the Milwaukie Avenue Trailhead or from the north at the Springwater trail near OMSI. Check it out. But no matter where you are, remember that all that is beautiful may not necessarily be natural. Consider getting involved in your area and doing what you can to remove invasive species from our great state. ◉ » LOST SURVEYOR, from page 15


PLSO Issue 2 2015 March April
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