CTUIR Releases Updated Invasive Plant Guide

MISSION – The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) has released its updated Invasive Plant Guide to educate CTUIR staff, the public and other stakeholders on how to identify and report non-native species on the Umatilla Indian Reservation (UIR).

Created and distributed by the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Range, Agriculture & Forestry Program, the booklet is 62 pages of more than 50 plants found locally harming the environment, agriculture and human health.

“The guide was created for educating community members and DNR staff,” said Gordy Schumacher, Range, Agriculture & Forestry Program manager. “DNR staff generally have questions about plants, and if they can use the guide to identify them and report back to the Range, Agriculture & Forestry we can map and inventory infestations for follow-up treatments that are outlined in DNR’s Integrated Weed Management Plan. This goes for the public, too.”

Range, Agriculture & Forestry defines invasive plants as introduced species that displace wildlife and native plants, lower biodiversity, decrease forage and crop production, cause injury to humans and animals, alter soil nutrients and water cycling, increase fire danger and decrease aesthetic value. Invasive plants also threaten CTUIR’s First Foods such as roots and berries that are essential to traditions and culture.

Categorizing the invasive plants into forbs, trees/shrubs and grasses, the guide devotes a page to each plant showing common and scientific names, description, habitat, impacts, management suggestions and color photos. A glossary is also included for technical terms used to describe and identify plants.

At the bottom of each page symbols show plant type and management controls. For some plants, a caution symbol is shown. The guide’s three caution symbols show if the plant is toxic to animals, toxic to humans or if it needs to be reported to Range, Agriculture & Forestry.

“Some plants, native and introduced, are poisonous if consumed or if plant residues get onto the skin, especially in allergic populations,” Schumacher said. “Plants like poison hemlock and yellow starthistle are poisonous to livestock. If one of the practices to control weed infestations is pulling weeds, people sensitive to plant residues need to pay particular attention to protecting themselves by using gloves or other personal protective equipment to prevent injury or allergic reaction. Or people can just use the guide to report infestations when they find them.”

To request a print copy, email cheyrlshippentower@ctuir.org or call 541-429-7239. Because print copies are limited, a PDF can be downloaded at ctuir-invasive-plant-guide-2025.pdf. To report an invasive species, email ctuir_invasives@ctuir.org or call 541-429-7200.

The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation is comprised of the Cayuse, Walla Walla and Umatilla Tribes, and formed under the Treaty of 1855 at the Walla Walla Valley, 12 Stat. 945. In 1949, the Tribes adopted a constitutional form of government to protect, preserve and enhance the reserved treaty rights guaranteed under federal law.