B.20. OREGON AQUATIC NUISANCE SPECIES MANAGEMENT PLAN 
B.20.1. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF OREGON’S PLAN 
Oregon’s Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Management Plan was prepared in 2001 by 
the Center for Lakes and Reservoirs at Portland State University with direction and participation 
from state staff (available at http://www.clr.pdx.edu/publications/files/OR ANS Plan.pdf ). The 
goals of the Management Plan are to prevent and manage ANS introductions, population growth, 
and spread to reduce impacts throughout the state. In support of these goals the Management 
Plan outlines six objectives to (1) coordinate and implement the Plan; (2) prevent introductions; 
(3) detect, monitor, and eradicate new ANS; (4) control established ANS; (5) inform about ANS 
risks and impacts; and (6) increase and disseminate knowledge about ANS. The Management 
Plan includes an implementation table with a corresponding budget. 
B.20.2. CLIMATE CHANGE AND AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES IN OREGON 
Average warming in the Pacific Northwest is projected to increase by 3°F (1.7°C) by the 
2020s and 5°F (2.8°C) by the 2050s. Annual precipitation projections are less certain, ranging 
from 7% or 2 inches (5cm) to a 13% or 4 inches (10cm). Heavier winter rainfall could increase 
soil saturation, landslides, and winter flooding. In addition, projected increases in mean sea level 
may increase sediment erosion and redistribution on the open coast (Parson, 2001b). Projected 
precipitation increases will be concentrated in winter, with decreases (or smaller increases) in 
summer; for this reason, even the projections that show increases in annual precipitation show 
decreases in water availability (Parson, 2001b). 
Various invasive aquatic plants identified in the Plan, such as giant salvinia and hydrilla, 
destroy native fish habitat and alter water chemistry. These impacts will interact with warmer 
water temperatures that also damage and reduce fish habitat. Additionally, as water levels 
decrease in the summer, less water is available for domestic and agricultural purposes, as well as 
for hydropower. Species such as zebra mussels may this problem by blocking intake pipes. 
B.20.3. THE OREGON PLAN’S CURRENT INTEGRATION OF CLIMATE CHANGE 
Table B-19 summarizes how the Oregon ANS Management Plan addresses and 
incorporates the projected effects of climate change. The ANS Management Plan does not 
explicitly mention climate change; however, the Plan does convey that some ANS of concern 
may not currently be a major threat to Oregon because of their climate tolerance. Additionally, 
updates and revisions to the Plan should incorporate changing circumstances. 
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