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To implement certain recommendations in the Invasive Plant Management Strategy, Environmental Services is funding the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) to lead an evaluation of city policies and rules relating to invasive plants, and to make recommendations for potential updates and improvements. The evaluation is called the Invasive Plant Policy and Regulatory Improvement Project. The Portland City Council approved the project on February 10, 2010.
The project includes four components.
Component 1
Update the Portland Plant List (PPL) to include priority ranks and guidance regarding invasive plants. Staff proposes revisions to the PPL to inform city and community invasive species management activities, program development, and priority setting.
Component 2
Evaluate opportunities to improve invasive plant control through development and non-development situations, including updates to city codes and rules. Staff has evaluated city codes to determine how they could be used more effectively to manage invasive plant species.
Component 3
Coordinate with the Portland Plan project to help ensure that invasive species are addressed in the Comprehensive Plan update and Portland Plan work plan.
Component 4
Research the feasibility of establishing a local noxious or invasive weed law. Staff is analyzing the legality and the potential benefits, costs, and impacts of establishing a local noxious weed law.
Recommendations emerging from this work are now entering the legislative process to amend the Zoning Code, other city codes, and the Portland Plant List. Future changes to technical documents, such as the Erosion Control Manual, are recommended but are not part of this legislative process.
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