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Effort to control giant hogweed in St. Lawrence County under way

Posted 6/25/12

Over 130 sites across the North Country are being treated to control giant hogweed, an invasive species. Places in St. Lawrence, Jefferson, Lewis, Oneida and Oswego counties are being treated by the …

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Effort to control giant hogweed in St. Lawrence County under way

Posted

Over 130 sites across the North Country are being treated to control giant hogweed, an invasive species.

Places in St. Lawrence, Jefferson, Lewis, Oneida and Oswego counties are being treated by the St. Lawrence Eastern Lake Ontario Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM).

According to PRISM Coordinator Rob Williams, “giant hogweed poses a serious threat to anyone who comes into contact with the sap from the plant. The sap, combined with sunlight, creates a photosensitive reaction on human skin which can cause serious burns and blisters and eventual scarring.”

Williams says that “due to the biology of this plant, we believe that it is still possible to eradicate local populations of giant hogweed.” Techniques used to control this plant include cutting the root of the plant just below the ground, applying herbicides, and removing the flowering seed head just before seed drop.

SLELO’s work takes place primarily on public property and right-of-ways. They say the most effective and “safe” way for landowners to control this plant on private property is to apply over-the-counter herbicides.

Invasive species of plants, animals, insects and microorganisms are among the most serious threats to native species, habitats and ecosystems within the five county area of the St. Lawrence Eastern Lake Ontario Region. Invasive species interfere with many types of outdoor recreation. They reduce crop yields and interfere with harvest operations on local farms. Along public roads and highways, invasive plants restrict visibility and create roadside hazards. Invasive insects and diseases kill trees in forested areas as well as along community streets. The economic impact of invasive species in the United States alone has been estimated at $120 billion annually. Local communities have been challenged with controlling invasive species or remediating their impacts at costs ranging from several thousand to millions of dollars.

The partners of the SLELO-PRISM that have been directly involved with the Hogweed effort include the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation and Cornell Cooperative Extension.

For more information visit the SLELO website at www.sleloinvasives.org. To report a sighting call the giant hogweed hotline at (845) 256-3111.