Public Works: Invasive Species

Strategies for managing weeds

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 05:14:58 EST

Zapping weeds, keeping railroad crossings clear, and preventing herbicide resistance.

Creating stable and healthy roadsides

Tue, 2 Oct 2012 04:55:09 EST

Weeds and other undesirable vegetation like to make their home along roadsides. But their presence can block motorists' line of sight and promote the spread of invasive species onto adjacent properties. Excessive vegetation also can damage roadbeds by creating erosion, potholes, and flooding due to improper road drainage off the surface.

The greener, cheaper way to prevent erosion

Tue, 2 Oct 2012 04:46:17 EST

The time-honored solution to roadside erosion is to evaluate underlying reasons for erosion, then address them with a healthy dose of engineering, concrete, and steel. But that solution is facing challenges as state DOTs are being asked to do more with fewer resources. At the same time, many transportation departments are seeking new environmentally conscious options, which has opened the door to technologically advanced and economical solutions.

Why invasive species still invade

Sat, 22 Sep 2012 01:22:37 EST

Every year, tens of thousands of ships dock in 26 states to unload goodies from other countries. In a process called ballast exchange, they release 48 million gallons a day of fresh, brackish, or salt water they sucked in at another port to stabilize the vessel for its perilous transoceanic journey.

Designing smart ponds

Sat, 22 Sep 2012 02:48:28 EST

“Smart ponds” are a result of proper design and maintenance

The war against weeds

Fri, 7 Sep 2012 02:54:37 EST

Located just across the Columbia River from Portland, Ore., historic Clark County attracts visitors who enjoy open spaces. But there are some visitors for whom the county would rather not play host: knapweed, poison hemlock, and butterfly bush, to name just a few.

Ventures in Vegetation Management

Fri, 7 Sep 2012 03:36:00 EST

It pays to partner with universities and herbicide manufacturers.