Invasive Species Removal
To see our 2021 annual sustainability report highlighting our ongoing work,
Targeted surveys are the first line of defense in an invasive species program. While problematic invasive species may be found during the regular course of field work, targeted species surveys address likely human vectors for spread such as roads and movement of materials. Additionally, the level of rigor needed to conduct these surveys requires that they be scheduled with dedicated time.
When pests are identified early in establishment, prevention of further spread can be addressed right away and control effort and time can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, eradication is more often achievable when detected in an early establishment phase. At the ranch, early detection surveys are conducted along roads and trails, along streams and at materials staging sites.
Alien weeds compete directly with native plants for resources, reduce biodiversity, disrupt ecosystem processes and services and can lead to extinction of rare resources. The stewardship staff spends a significant amount of time controlling non-native weeds that affect many of the stewardship objectives including: watershed protection, wetland protection, land/pasture management, native forest conservation/ restoration.
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