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Invasive plant species have incurred increasing environmental and financial impacts. <br /> Invasive plants frequently out - compete native species, threatening the food, habitat and <br /> genetic diversity of native plants and wildlife. Every year, significant resources, including <br /> staff and volunteer time, equipment and contractual work, are spent removing invasive <br /> plant species and replanting with species native to the Willamette Valley. The use of <br /> native species in landscaping, however, would generally require fewer resources to <br /> maintain because these plants are more adapted to local soil and climate conditions. <br /> They also support restoration efforts that are occurring in nearby natural areas, such as <br /> the West Eugene Wetlands, Hendricks Park forest, Whilamut Natural Area of Alton <br /> Baker Park, Ridgeline Trail, and Spencer and Skinner buttes, by diminishing the <br /> proliferation of non - native species and providing a habitat that supports a broader <br /> diversity of wildlife species. <br /> After analyzing the issue, the City's Environmental Policy Team requested the <br /> development of the invasive and native plant lists. Parks and Open Space staff, in <br /> collaboration with planning, facilities, and other Public Works staff, compiled the lists as <br /> a reference for all staff involved in planting activities on City land, such as Police, Fire, <br /> Airport, Wastewater, Facilities, Parks and Open Space, and Engineering staff. The lists <br /> will be reviewed and updated annually. For more information about these lists, contact <br /> Landscape, Medians & Floral Gardens Supervisor Sarah Medary at 682 -4824 and <br /> Natural Resources Operations Coordinator Trevor Taylor at 682 -4880. <br /> # ## <br />