Samish River Knotweed Control Program
Project Summary
In 2010 the Natural Resource Department received a grant from the EPA to assess the increasing problem of Japanese Knotweed in the Samish River Watershed. This funding assistance is designed to gain insight on the extent of the infestation through surveying and mapping knotweed patches. It also provides support and access to information for residents living in the watershed who are faced with knotweed invasion. Treatment of the knotweed is another component of this project which started July of 2011. Depending on the extent of the infestation in the Samish River Basin the Natural Resources Department will be determining a priority level of treatment.
If knotweed is present on your property and you live in the Samish River Watershed, we want to work with you. Please contact the Samish Natural Resource office at the number listed below.
Contact Us:
Jodi Bluhm, Restoration Technician, Knotweed Outreach Lead
360-293-6404 ext 128
jbluhm@samishtribe.nsn.us
PO Box 217, Anacortes, WA. 98221
Summer of 2012 concluded our second treatment season. Here are some numbers from this year compared to last year:
| 2011 | 2012 | |
| Acres treated | 20 acres | 55.5 acres |
| Herbicide Used | 2500 Gallons | 2750 Gallons |
| Projects | 19 | 58 |
| Stream Miles Treated | 6.5 | 9 |
We are finding that knotweed infestations have been reduced by approximately 75% after just one year of treatment at a site so, we are making progress for sure. However, we estimate that more than 100 acres of knotweed still need to be removed from the watershed. A sustained, long term effort will be needed in order to control its spread in the watershed.
Samish DNR has entered into a partnership with Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group and secured a Washington State Department of Ecology grant that dedicates money for replanting areas where we have treated Japanese Knotweed in the Samish. To date, nearly 30 acres are under signed agreement to be replanted with native trees and shrubs. This will restore riparian function and hopefully prevent knotweed spreading in the future.
The upcoming 2013 treatment season represents our last fully funded year by EPA. Our intent is to find continuation funding from another source in order to continue this important work.
- Mainstem Samish River Knotweed Survey
Check out our progress for 2010 and 2011 Survey and Treatment Seasons:
Project Maps (Click to see project maps)
Organizations we work with: (click picture to visit their website)
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 Skagit County Natural Resources Stewardship Program |
 Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program |
