Exotic plant management and revegetation of disturbed sites in Denali National Park and Preserve: Summary report for 2017

Virnston B and Mahovlic W. 2018. Exotic plant management and revegetation of disturbed sites in Denali National Park and Preserve: Summary report for 2017. Natural Resource Report. NPS/DENA/NRR—2018/1627. National Park Service. Fort Collins, Colorado

The 2017 DENA EPMT crew, consisting of NPS Revegetation Specialist Mahovlic and SCA Intern Virnston, was responsible for surveying and controlling invasive plant species within the boundaries of Denali National Park and Preserve and in surrounding areas that might serve as entry points for invasive species into the park. Manual and chemical control strategies were used to accomplish this in the 2017 field season, with the majority of control efforts being manual. In total, 742.2 field hours (NPS Staff and volunteer) were invested to remove 1302.5 pounds of invasive plants. Significant time and effort were invested in revegetation, an important strategy for preventing invasive plant infestation and stabilizing ecosystems after invasive plant removal. A total of 25.774 pounds of native seeds were collected for use in future revegetation projects. Five major de-vegetation projects and two major revegetation projects were completed in the 2017 field season, as well as two major volunteer events. Efforts to control exotic and invasive plants and ameliorate the damage they have caused within and around DENA in the 2017 field season were successful; however, the work is ongoing, and the constant vigilance of future DENA EPMTs is necessary to ensure the wilderness of Denali remains intact for the enjoyment of future generations.

Type
Published Report
Authors
Virnston, Benjamin; Mahovlic, Wendy
Date of Issue
2018-05
Publisher
National Park Service
Units
DENA , NRSS
Keywords
Alaska, Crepis tectorum, DENA, Denali National Park and Preserve, Descurainia sophia, EPMT, Exotic Plant Management, Hieracium umbellatum, Hordeum jubatum, invasive plants, Melilotus albus, Taraxacum officinale
Subjects
Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Invasive Species | Invasive/Exotic plants

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