Invasive and exotic plant management in Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park: 2015 summary report

Hauser KP. 2015. Invasive and exotic plant management in Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park: 2015 summary report. Natural Resource Report. NPS/GWMP/NRR—2016/1121. National Park Service. Fort Collins, Colorado

The 2015 season marked the twelfth consecutive year of the Exotic Plant Management Team (EPMT) program at Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park (KLGO). This year, the EPMT staff focused on three primary objectives; monitoring the extent of known infestations and accurately documenting the distribution and abundance of invasive species in and around the park, controlling existing infestations to prevent their spread into or within the park, and providing education and outreach to park staff and the community. This year largely focused on informing the public about how to detect and report invasive species early. Early detection helps minimize the spread and severity of infestations. Service crew members, park staff, and volunteers devoted approximately 900 hours toward managing invasive and exotic species found in and around KLGO. In total, 34.53 acres were surveyed over the course of the season, and 3.97 acres of this area were surveyed within park boundaries. Within the areas surveyed, 4.28 acres were found to be infested with invasive plant species, and 0.27 of these infested acres were within park boundaries. Of the areas infested, a total of 1.54 acres were treated, 0.10 acres of which were on park lands. More than 500 pounds of invasive plants were manually removed this season. Overall, 45 invasive and exotic plants have been documented in and around the park. Two new invasive species were discovered for the first time 2015. Orange hawkweed that was found growing near the Skagway Reservoir and Laughton Glacier. Perennial cornflower that was found planted as an ornamental on private property on 8th Avenue between Alaska Street and Main Street. A species of particular concern is Canada thistle, first documented and controlled in 2012 on the Klondike Highway. Canada thistle currently poses a serious threat for Skagway and areas that are connected to the highway. A highlight of the season was the removal of reed canary grass and restoration project that followed at Sheep Camp.

Type
Published Report
Authors
Hauser, Kevin
Date of Issue
2015-12
Publisher
National Park Service
Units
KLGO , NRSS , SEAN
Keywords
bird vetch, Canada thistle, Chilkoot Trail, common tansy, Dyea, EPMT, exotic, Exotic Plant Mangement, invasive, KLGO, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, narrowleaf hawksbeard, orange hawkweed, ornamental jewelweed, oxeye daisy, reed canary grass, Skagway, white sweetclover, yellow toadflax
Subjects
Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Invasive Species | Invasive/Exotic plants

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