Invasive and exotic plant management in Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park: 2017 summary report

Burton DM. 2018. Invasive and exotic plant management in Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park: 2017 summary report. Natural Resource Report. NPS/KLGO/NRR—2018/1612. National Park Service. Fort Collins, Colorado

Summer 2017 marks the Exotic Plant Management Team’s (EPMT) 14th year at Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park (KLGO). The four main methods used by EPMT to prevent the propagation of invasive plants were: surveying new and old infestations, manual removal of infestations, restoring disturbed areas, and providing public outreach and education. It is important to monitor invasive species in order to track their spread and identify new infestations as they arise for rapid response treatment. A major part of the EMPT’s work was to remap past infestations while surveying for new infestations. Using priority guidelines, EPMT focused on removing and treating invasive plants. EPMT helped manage multiple large tasks such as removing reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) from Pullen Creek and pulling white sweetclover (Melilotus albus) from the municipal brush pile. The tarping project at the Lower Dewey Reservoir from 2016 was monitored and repaired over the 2017 season, finding no new growth of orange hawkweed (Hieracium aurantiacum). The construction project from 2016 along Dyea townsite Road had finally concluded, allowing EPMT and the SCA Crew to proceed with a major restoration project to prevent invasive plants from colonizing disturbed soil and to promote native plant growth. Also of note was the spraying of invasive plants at Sheep Camp (along the Chilkoot Trail) with herbicide as part of an ongoing restoration project to eradicate reed canary grass and tall buttercup (Ranunculus acris). Over 960 pounds of invasive plants were removed this year, others of note were oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), yellow toadflax (Linaria vulgaris), and common sheep sorrel (Rumex acetosella). A new species detected this year was tarweed fiddleneck (Amsinckia lycopsoides). In 2017, 57.19 acres were surveyed, 15.44 acres were found infested and 0.88 acres were treated.

Type
Published Report
Authors
Burton, Devon
Date of Issue
2018-03
Publisher
National Park Service
Units
KLGO , NRSS
Keywords
Alaska, Alsike clover, Bird vetch, Black bindweed, Canada thistle, Chickweed, Common dandelion, Common eyebright, Common plantain, Common tansy, Curly dock, EPMT, European mountain ash, Exotic Plant Management, invasive species, KLGO, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, Narrowleaf hawksbeard, Night-flowering catchfly, Ornamental jewelweed, Oxeye daisy, Pineapple weed, Prostrate knotweed, Quackgrass, Red clover, Reed canary grass, Scentless false mayweed, Sheep sorrel, Shepherd’s purse, Sticky ragwort, Tall buttercup, Tarweed fiddleneck, White clover, White sweetclover, Yellow toadflax
Subjects
Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Invasive Species | Invasive/Exotic plants

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