Roger Batt, Idaho Weed Awareness Campaign Coordinator, states to Bryan Dallolio, Ada County Noxious Weed Control, that here they are on the Boise Greenbelt along a beautiful stretch of the Boise River and there is wildlife and native plants all around. He comments that the first time they visited this area noxious weeds were not too evident, but now the Spotted Knapweed is very visible. He goes on to say that this is one of the ecological problems these days of invasive plant species coming in and destroying ecosystems. Bryan agrees stating that this patch of dirt around here should have more of the native plants on it than it does. Everyplace that there is Spotted Knapweed, it has displaced the native vegetation. And when this stuff goes to seed, it blows into the river, it floats, it reroots. The wind will carry it further up this bank and it will just continue to spread.
Note that there are several video "hot spots" available which provide a lot more detailed information.
Panorama and video taken 7/20/05
