CBP Agriculture Specialists in Georgia Stop Noxious Weeds
November 30, 2009U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists assigned to the port of Savannah have made more than 60 interceptions of cogon grass on commercial cargo containers since mid-October. The interceptions were the result of a special operation that specifically looked for the weed.
“One of CBP’s most important functions is the protection of our natural resources,” said John Porter, area port director in Savannah. “Invasive species such as cogon grass can devastate our ecosystems if left unchecked. CBP agriculture specialists are on the front lines to ensure our borders and land management industries are protected.”
Cogon grass is a Federal Noxious Weed. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, cogon grass is an invasive weed from Asia that has recently been intercepted from Central and South America. It spreads quickly and disrupts ecosystems, reduces wildlife habitat, and can decrease tree seedling growth and establishment. It is believed to have invaded more than one million acres of land in the Southeast, including parts of Georgia.
The cogon grass interceptions were all destroyed by incineration.
