Resident warns Blowing Rock council Japanese knotweed is close to becoming established, urges town-led eradication plan

David Goodson, a Blowing Rock resident and member of the town’s Appearance and Review Advisory Committee, told the council the invasive Japanese knotweed "is a major threat to the ecosystem and natural beauty to this town." Goodson showed photos and a map of colonies he located around Main Street, the Middle Fork headwaters and other public corridors and urged action before the plant resumes growth in spring.

Goodson summarized the plant’s life cycle and risks, saying its underground rhizomes can spread "at least 23 feet or more" and penetrate several feet down, and that even small root fragments can start new infestations. He told the council the species displaces native vegetation, causes bank erosion and can clog small waterways and that seeds can remain viable for years.

Goodson recommended that the town take the lead on a coordinated response: identify and map infested areas before new growth begins, notify private-property owners and provide a protocol for treatment on private land, establish a hotline for sightings, engage the Blowing Rock Garden Club and consider hiring private contractors for large patches while town crews handle spot treatments.

During questions, Goodson said there are herbicide options appropriate for use near wetlands and that nearby Boone has protocols that have kept knotweed largely in check. He urged treatment in the active growing window (roughly May–June in Blowing Rock) and said multiple applications are typically required to suppress the plant because of the deep root mass.

Council members said they appreciated the presentation and asked staff to follow up; Goodson identified Corey Cathcart as a staff contact for follow-up. No formal council action was taken at the meeting; the presentation was recorded for staff consideration and potential follow-up before the next growing season.