OAR 603-052-1209: Purpose

Giant reed, Arundo donax, is a promising bio-energy crop because of its high biomass yield. It is also grown as an ornamental and as a source of reeds for woodwind instruments. Giant reed is highly invasive in riparian areas in some regions of the United States such as California, Texas, and Florida. It is the intent and purpose of OAR 603-052-1206 to 603-052-1211 to balance goals to develop new agricultural crops and support renewable energy development from agricultural feedstocks while protecting natural resources and preventing the establishment of giant reed in riparian areas where it could cause major negative impacts to the natural resources of the State of Oregon.