3.12 Summary of Current Status of Exotic Species in Oregon

• Nearly a thousand exotic species have invaded Oregon since the time of European settlement. Of these 1,000 species, 150 probably warrant special attention. • Exotic species can impede forest regeneration and render grasslands unsuitable to nearly all kinds of grazing animals. • Many roadsides in Oregon have become jungles of exotic species. Clearcuts, other disturbed sites and urban forests have become gardens of exotics that have the potential to foster the establishment of serious exotic pests. • The annual cost imposed by exotic species in the United States is estimated to be $123 billion. • The cost of controlling gypsy moths in Oregon and Washington from 1985 to 1995 was more than $50 million. • No state agency takes responsibility for coordinat-ing the monitoring of all exotic species across the state. Indicators 1. The number of exotic species and its trend through time. 2. The distribution of exotic species. 3. The distribution of exotic species with the potential for causing serious harm