Stevenson shrubs

bustingbladder · Since 12 Jul 2006 387 Posts Seattle Obsessed

It seems the the debate is about errosion. As a custom landscaper, here's my idea: Turn it into a super pimp launch by removing the bushes and make a small mini stair stepping retainer wall with the indigenous rocks around the launch and bank. It would be sick and make the launch area very cool. The errosion problem would be better than it ever was.

Events would be a ton better. Especially with the botched start of the Blow Out. We just couldnt get all the kites off the beach in time for the gun. This is way more efficient.

Look just to the right of the bushes and you can see that its already started for you. All you have to do is extend it over to cover the area where the bushes were removed.

2 cents

Mike Hawk · Mon Mar 17, 08 8:03 am

Seems like the Non Native Kiters want to remove the non native Bushes, and the Native Kiters don't seem to mind...So are the bushes invasive or is it the Invasive kiters that are the root of the problem Question

kss · Since 24 Apr 2006 614 Posts pdx Addicted

agreed. also, wonder if this is even a "majority rules" subject? seems like you'd need an overwhelming majority to justify ripping the whole thing out and changing what's been there for years.

if 49% are pissed because it got ripped out... gonna be alotta grumpies out there!

Reaper356 · Since 10 Dec 2006 781 Posts Salem / LC Oregon Opinionated

What are the government rules on plant management in the area for native / invasive?

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

Seems like if its a close vote then might as well keep status quo.

We should really trim it down far at the cleanup, then if there's anyway to schedule a mid summer trim that might help matters.

3 person launches, fun for all! Wink

pdxmonkeyboy · Mon Mar 17, 08 9:17 am

Ultimately (like everything at Stevenson) it will come down to what the port wants to do. I really thought (like many others) that everyone wanted to see the bushes gone. Whatever reasons people have for keeping them (look nice, keeps people away, "stabilizes" the slope, want to see the gorge covered by invasives) there are quite a few people that like them there.

Seems to me that the on such a close vote the Port would say nay to drastic changes. I think that we should put our heads together along with the port and see what ideas come out of the discussion.

Mark · Mon Mar 17, 08 9:33 am

Very interesting dialoge. Vote is much closer than I expected. As always, we will do what is best for everyone. Keep the ideas coming.
Mark

sleestack · Since 07 Dec 2006 184 Posts Land of the Lost Stoked

Plant some new, native, low height stuff to protect the bank and to ward off some of the newbies. . .

Spike · Since 13 May 2007 1414 Posts Alameda Spelling Expert

how about replacing them with blackberries? then we'll have something to snack on when waiting for the wind Twisted Evil

Sol-flyer · Mon Mar 17, 08 1:56 pm

my favorite shrubbery is GORSE, of course

pdxmonkeyboy · Mon Mar 17, 08 2:40 pm

Oooh, Gorse wouls be a great one, but don't forget about my FAVORITE non-native plant from asia. dum roll please......

Giant hog weed!
from : http://dnr.metrokc.gov/wlr/LANDS/weeds/hogweed.htm
History and Impact
Giant Hogweed is originally from Asia and was introduced as an ornamental. It is similar in appearance to our native cow parsnip, only it is much larger and the hairs on the under surface of the leaf are shorter (about .25 mm long). A public health hazard, hogweed's clear, watery sap has toxins that cause photo-dermatitis. Skin contact followed by exposure to sunlight produces painful, burning blisters that may develop into purplish or blackened scars. Click here for photos and more information on hogweed burns.

Ryan · Since 14 Jul 2005 538 Posts Oregon Addicted

How about remove and replace as an option for the opionin poll? Phil?

PDXMonkey - how about Salal or dogwood?

dogwood might be a bit to 'woody' but no more than what is there now. it could be hacked back every year to keep it low.

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pdxmonkeyboy · Mon Mar 17, 08 5:20 pm

you would seriously regret the day you planted dogwood down there. That stuff grows like mad. Even more so when you prune it. Dogwood essentially grows like willow. I thought about salal but it likes really rich soil with lots of humus and doesn't do all that great in direct sunlight.

holly · Since 09 Jul 2006 440 Posts Hood River Obsessed

i like the bushes.. i think you should keep them, they are nice to look at and the launch sucks anyways cutting them wont make a difference.. besides who doesnt want some green in thier lines anyways it adds to your experience!

Reaper356 · Since 10 Dec 2006 781 Posts Salem / LC Oregon Opinionated

If we're planting non-natives - Daphne smells good and doesn't get very big.

forrest · Mon Mar 17, 08 9:51 pm

Replace them with weed dude!!! Then everyone will be to high to kite and all the haters can have the place to themselves. Smile

kitezilla · Since 22 Jun 2006 453 Posts gorge Obsessed

Maybe just keep the bushes trimmed and then throw a big piece of the anti-bird netting over the whole thing. I think that this would prevent a lot of the string catching problem.

I like the monkey cage idea, but I bet it wouldn't be up to some code. It could get dislodged and become a hazard, or an attractive nuisance for kids to play on.