Vegetation and exotic plant management: 2017 annual report for Washita Battlefield NHS
Blythe M, Zahm R, Folts-Zettner T, Bennetts R, Sosinski H, Bonilla J, Fields B, Gatewood R, McDaniels J, Conn J, Foley J. 2018. Vegetation and exotic plant management: 2017 annual report for Washita Battlefield NHS. Natural Resource Data Series. NPS/SOPN/NRDS—2018/1174. National Park Service. Fort Collins, Colorado
This report is intended to be used in concert with the Vegetation and Exotic Plant Management Implementation Strategy for Washita Battlefield NHS (Washita Battlefield NHS 2016). The implementation strategy provides an overview of the initial reference conditions and direction and this report provides the results for 2017 as well as an annual update (adaptation) of the direction based on ongoing results. Reference conditions represent a combination of ecological and cultural values of the Washita Battlefield NHS setting. The data used to determine condition of each vegetation unit relative to reference conditions is from the vegetation monitoring surveys conducted by the Southern Plains Network and Southern Plains Fire Group in accordance with Folts-Zettner et al. (2017). The primary management treatments during 2017 were mowing, herbicide, and seeding. Mowing was primary done to control exotic plants, particularly bromes. Most treatments were effective during the treatment year but long-term results remain to be determined. Of the 8 transects monitored in 5 management units, all transects had >50% cover of expected native grasses for the unit and 15% cover of native forbs. Of particular concern, all transects had >10% exotic cover and >5% high-priority exotic plant cover. 2017 management actions continue the battle against exotic plant species and there have been some small victories. It is suspected that the lack of forbs and native grasses are a direct result of both high exotic pressure and long-term drought. A Management Work Plan has been included for 2018.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Blythe, Matthew; Zahm, Richard; Folts-Zettner, Tomye; Bennetts, Robert; Sosinski, Heidi; Bonilla, Jeremiah; Fields, Bruce; Gatewood, Richard; McDaniels, Jason; Conn, Jeff; Foley, Jeanine
- Date of Issue
- 2018-05
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- Units
- FIEC , NRSS , SOPN , WABA
- Keywords
- Exotic Plant Monitor, fire monitoring, Grasslands Monitor