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Copper Center, Alaska – Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve (WRST) is home to complex native communities of plants and animals that have developed over millions of years.The delicate natural balance within these communities is threatened by the influx of invasive species, which are considered the second greatest threat to biodiversity after habitat loss. Invasive species display rapid growth, spread with little or no human assistance, and are expensive to remove and difficult to control once established. These species are a concern because they can out-compete native species for limited resources and can change the structure and function of ecosystems. Establishment of invasive species can also result in loss of habitat and food sources for native insects, birds, fish, and other wildlife. The Exotic Plant Management Team at WRST has been documenting and managing invasive plants for the past several years.The following are the proposed treatments for 2013: ·Narrowleaf Hawksbeard - at the Park Headquarters in Copper Center.This infestation has been manually controlled since 2007 with no decrease in the infestation size or density.The area was treated in 2010, 2011 and 2012 and is scheduled to be treated in early June.The proposed herbicide is Milestone. ·Common Tansy – Maintenance Yard, Glennallen.This infestation was first discovered in 2009 and has been manually controlled for three years. It is difficult to effectively control in this manner as it can reproduce by seed and vegetativley via an extensive underground root system. The location of this infestation makes it a high priority as it could easily spread into the park through the movement of equipment.This area was treated with herbicide in 2012 and is scheduled to be treated in late August / early September.The proposed herbicide is Milestone. All proposed applications will be made by State of Alaska certified pesticide applicators using a precise, spot application method with calibrated backpack sprayers.Herbicide application is dependent on the target plant's growth stage and the weather.Applications will only be made when weather conditions are appropriate. For additional information please contact Miranda Terwilliger, Ecologist, at 907-822-7232. -- NPS – |
Last updated: April 14, 2015