Bio-fuels or bio-weeds? "Growing Risk"

The term “spring planting” takes on a whole new meaning when the crop is a biofuel. While it may finally put some types of weeds to a productive use, a report from the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) cites the need for careful selection and monitoring of the crops being grown for energy production. In states with warmer climates, it says some are overtaking native species.

It hasn’t happened in the Northwest, although the fast-growing giant reed has been planted for biofuel use in the Columbia Gorge near Boardman, Ore. At Washington State University, ecology professor Dr. Richard Mack descr...