A cooperative weed management area (CWMA) is a partnership of federal,
state, and local government agencies, tribes, individuals, and various
interested groups that manage noxious weeds or invasive plants in a defined
area.
Five characteristics of a CWMA
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Defined geographical area distinguished by a common geography, weed
problem, community, climate, political boundary, or land use
-
Involvement or representation of the majority of landowners and natural
resource managers in the defined area
- Steering committee
- Commitment to cooperation
-
Comprehensive plan that addresses the management of prevention of one or
more noxious weeds or invasive plants
CWMAs often function under the authority of a mutually developed memorandum
of understanding or cooperative agreement and are governed by a steering
committee. CWMA partners develop a comprehensive weed management plan for
their area. Locally-driven CWMAs are especially effective at generating
public interest in weed management and organizing community groups to
support on-the-ground programs.
CWMAs in Oregon
Currently, there are 27 cooperative weed management areas (CWMAs) in Oregon,
the first was formed in 1994. The structure in Oregon varies from small
landowner groups focusing on a specific project to multi-agency
organizations.
Oregon Cooperative Weed Management Association (ORCWMA)
The purpose of ORCWMA is to lessen the impact of invasive plant species and
their threat to the economy, environment, and human health by working
cooperatively to provide leadership, facilitate information development and
exchange, and coordinate regional efforts. ORCWMA includes 27 cooperative
weed management areas in Oregon that occupy 85% of the land base.
Priority programs
- Public education
- Monitoring and mapping
- Weed prevention
- Cost-share funding for weed control
- Partnerships between agencies and the community
-
Weed control and restoration (manual, biological, and chemical methods)
Board of Directors
- Northeast Region: Brian Clapp, Wallowa Resources
- Northwest Region: Vern Holm, Western Invasives Network
- Southwest Region: Crissy Morgan (Secretary), Douglas County CWMA
- Southeast Region: Jason Jaeger, Lake County CWMA
- Central Region: Sarah Callaghan, USFS