Scotch Broom Season Begins

Florence Police Department
PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Sarah Huff 997-3515
PIO-Florence Police Department
Date: May 6, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Scotch Broom Season

The City of Florence is again experiencing a much stronger than usual Scotch Broom growth this year, which continues to prompt concern from some area residents. Scotch Broom is a species known to displace native plants. It readily invades disturbed sites, natural areas, dunes and public and private forest lands. Maintenance of rights-of-way, facilities, parkland and private property costs millions of dollars each year because of rapid growth of young plants and the plant's persistent nature. Scotch Broom is classified as a “B Rated” Noxious Weed by the Oregon Department if Agriculture. This designation means that the weed has an undesirable economic impact on the State. Seeds of Scotch Broom are long-lived (50 years plus) and mature plants are prolific seed producers, establishing persistent seed banks requiring long-term management objectives. The largest costs attributed to Scotch Broom come from additional inputs needed to establish trees in commercial and public timberlands. It is estimated that Scotch Broom costs Oregon $47 million dollars annually in lost timber production. In addition to the above, overgrowth of Scotch Broom can become a fire hazard, and an irritant to those with respiratory disorders or seasonal allergies.

Florence City Code prohibits persons from allowing any noxious vegetation to grow on their property. Since this continues to be a City-wide problem, the City of Florence would like to get the message to our property owners, businesses, and residents to seek their help to eradicate this invasive plant. If you have this destructive weed on your property, please remove it.

The City would also like to remind city and non-city residents of the Yard Debris Disposal Days the City holds throughout the summer. Get rid of all your Scotch Broom and other yard debris for $5 per pickup load at the 27th St. entrance to the Florence Airport on the following dates: May 14th, June 18th, July 16th, August 20th, September 17th, October 15th, and November 19th, 2011. The dates may be found on the City of Florence website at www.ci.florence.or.us.

Note: Scotch broom will not be accepted at the Yard Debris Disposal Days after it has gone to seed, which usually occurs around the 4th of July. Any questions may be directed to the Code Enforcement Officer at (541)997-3515.