Battle for Bend: Kicking Cheatgrass to the Curb (and Other Pesky Invaders Too!)

|Rick Heizer

Bend, Oregon – a land of majestic mountains, pristine rivers, and… cheatgrass! Ah, yes, that villainous green (then alarmingly reddish-brown) annual grass that's as ubiquitous as craft breweries in our beloved high desert. But fear not, fellow Central Oregonians! We can reclaim our landscapes from this sneaky invader and its equally troublesome brethren.

The Cheatgrass Chronicle: Why It's Our Arch-Nemesis

You might spot it in early spring, a seemingly innocent green carpet. But don't be fooled! This isn't your friendly neighborhood grass. Cheatgrass ( Bromus tectorum), also known as downy brome, is an uninvited guest from the Mediterranean. It's a master of disruption, arriving early, hogging resources, and drying out by early summer, turning into a highly flammable fire hazard. Where native plants once thrived, cheatgrass creates a monoculture wasteland, leaving our beautiful sagebrush steppe vulnerable to more frequent and intense wildfires. It’s like that house guest who eats all your snacks, crashes on your couch for months, and then, just before leaving, sets your curtains on fire. Rude!

The Good, The Bad, and The Weedy: Your Cheatgrass Combat Manual

So, how do we tackle this hairy foe and its invasive pals? It's a marathon, not a sprint, but every little bit helps!

The "Do's" of Weed Warfare:

  • Do Get Them Young: Cheatgrass is easiest to control in its seedling stage (fall/early spring). Learn to identify it before it matures and sets seed.

  • Do Pull Your Weight (Literally!): For smaller infestations, hand-pulling is incredibly effective, especially before seeds form. Make sure to get the root!

  • Do the "Weed Whack Tango": If hand-pulling isn't feasible, weed-eating or mowing before the seed heads break and disperse is crucial. Bag and dispose of the clippings, don't just leave them to spread their progeny!

  • Do Consider a Pre-Emergent Strike: For larger areas, a pre-emergent herbicide applied in the fall can prevent cheatgrass seeds from germinating. Always consult with a professional and follow label instructions.

  • Do Replant with Purpose: Nature abhors a vacuum. After removing invasives, reseed with native grasses and wildflowers. These local champions will outcompete the invaders and restore ecological balance. Think of it as inviting better, more responsible guests to the party.

  • Do Be a Community Hero: Talk to your neighbors! Weeds don't respect property lines. Coordinated efforts make a huge difference. Report noxious weed sightings to local agencies.

The "Don'ts" of Despair:

  • Don't Let Them Seed: This is the golden rule! One cheatgrass plant can produce hundreds of seeds, which can remain viable in the soil for years.

  • Don't Ignore the Small Stuff: A tiny patch today is an acre-sized problem tomorrow. Nip it in the bud!

  • Don't Rely on Fire to Fix It: While cheatgrass fuels fires, burning alone often just encourages more cheatgrass by eliminating native competition.

  • Don't Be a Seed Spreader: Check your shoes, clothes, pets, and vehicles after venturing into infested areas. Those barbed seeds love to hitch a ride!

Beyond Cheatgrass: Other Unwanted Guests in Central Oregon

Cheatgrass isn't the only uninvited guest. Central Oregon also grapples with other invasive weeds like Russian thistle, knapweeds, and various mustards. The principles for addressing them are similar: early detection, manual removal where possible, and preventing seed spread. Integrated weed management—combining different control methods—is your best bet.

Taking action against invasive weeds is not just about aesthetics; it's about protecting our unique ecosystem, reducing wildfire risk, and preserving the wild beauty that makes Bend, well, Bend. Let's get out there and show these weeds who's boss!

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