Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2011 8:45 am
Methods have been developed to eradicate the invasive species but it's expensive. Chemicals need to be applied by people with a license to do that. Some species need to be removed roots and all. In some parts of the country state and federal agencies provide money for this kind of work. The problem with doing all this is- there is nothing preventing those species from returning. I think about the only long term solution is to have the native trees close their crowns and shade the ground. This is one reason, as a forester, I prefer light harvesting- it's where you have heavy harvesting that get more invasive species. Also, when any harvesting occurs- it's a good idea to scout around the area and eradicate invasive species that could spread into the cut area.
I went out to the Quabbin Resevoir here in Mass. with a forester, Don Wakoluk, who spent a few years studying invasives there. He pointed out a common occurance- that if invasive species are along streams that are upstream from an area to be cut- the seeds will fall into the stream and flow down to the cut area- so the upstream areas need to be looked at.
Unfortunately here in Mass. and many other states- there is a push on to cut heavy- for biomass and with the excuse that heavy cutting is great for wildlife- so I expect a lot more problems with invasive species.
Perhaps whoever is responsible for the property is not aware of the problem. You should talk to them and see if they're interested in an effort to battle the invasives. it could become a "show piece" on the problem. Perhaps if you live close enough- you could document the battle.
Most likely your state university has a specialist in invasive species who could help. Let us know how this develops.
Joe
I went out to the Quabbin Resevoir here in Mass. with a forester, Don Wakoluk, who spent a few years studying invasives there. He pointed out a common occurance- that if invasive species are along streams that are upstream from an area to be cut- the seeds will fall into the stream and flow down to the cut area- so the upstream areas need to be looked at.
Unfortunately here in Mass. and many other states- there is a push on to cut heavy- for biomass and with the excuse that heavy cutting is great for wildlife- so I expect a lot more problems with invasive species.
Perhaps whoever is responsible for the property is not aware of the problem. You should talk to them and see if they're interested in an effort to battle the invasives. it could become a "show piece" on the problem. Perhaps if you live close enough- you could document the battle.
Most likely your state university has a specialist in invasive species who could help. Let us know how this develops.
Joe