Early Detection & Rapid Response (EDRR) Program
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What is EDRR?
Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) is an approach to invasive species management that focuses on finding and removing potential invasive species before they spread and cause harm.
EDRR increases the possibility of eradication and is less expensive than trying to control well-established invasive species. While prevention is the first line of defense against invasive species infestations, it will not stop all of them from being introduced.
- Not-so-fun fact:
Some EDRR species like purple loosestrife produce more than 2 million tiny seeds per plant! These seeds are transported through movement of wind, water, soil, and animals, and can quickly lead to infestations.
Once an EDRR species is widely established, only partial control and management may be possible.
When is a species classified as needing Early Detection and Rapid Response?
Plant species classified as EDRR are treated differently because they grow aggressively, spread quickly, or can change the composition of an environment.
EDRR species require a coordinated response between land managers and the community. Through active surveying, reporting networks, and quick decision making, new infestations can be found while still localized and containable.
EDRR species in Washington County:
- On-the-go identification
Download a copy of our Weed Watchers Guide to help identify species in the field.
Weed Watchers Guide - Get help with identification
Explore our Weed & Pest Directory for easy identification of EDRR species.
Explore our Weed & Pest Directory
How we can help:
What should you do if you spot an Early Detection and Rapid Response species?
Collect information about your sighting.
If you suspect that you have found an EDRR species, please follow these steps so you can make a thorough report:
- Take a picture of the plant
Include something to show scale (a ruler or common object like a coin), and if possible, capture close-ups of any distinctive features.
- Write a description of the plant
Include details about the flower (color, shape, and size), leaf (shape and size), and any interesting characteristics (hairs, root structures, etc.).
- Collect location information
Record the closest address, intersection or mile marker, or how far past a trail or bridge crossing the sighting is, as well as any nearby landmarks. If you can record latitude and longitude coordinates on your phone, that’s even better!
- Describe the size of the infestation
Estimate how many feet wide and long the patch of plants is. It’s especially helpful if you can estimate how many plants are present.
Report your EDRR sighting.
- Report online
Visit the Oregon Invasive Species Hotline and click “Report Now.”
Visit oregoninvasiveshotline.org - Email us
Email the Tualatin SWCD Invasive Species Team.
Email the Invasives Team
Become a TWISTer!
The Tualatin Watershed Invasive Species Team (TWIST), previously Tualatin Watershed Weed Watchers, are a trained group of volunteers who help to identify EDRR species in the Tualatin River watershed.
We invite you to join the Tualatin Watershed Invasive Species Team Facebook group to learn more.
