Condition Assessment Management Plan for Park Grasslands

Allen, Kristen

It is becoming increasingly understood that, although eastern grasslands require anthropogenic disturbance to sustain them, they are a significant natural resource harboring numerous threatened or rare bird and insect species as well as a large diversity of endemic grasses and forbs. In eastern North America, where native grasslands have been under extreme pressure for more than 300 years, most were converted long ago to agricultural, residential, commercial and other uses. Numerous grassland bird species are classified as endangered, threatened or candidates at risk and nearly all have undergone serious declines in recent decades. Of the Lepidoptera species classified as endangered, threatened or rare, a large percentage are known to depend on grassland and meadow habitats. At Richmond National Battlefield Park, over 120 acres of cultural landscape have been managed as native grassland since 2006. Various patches were established in slightly different ways over the years: including disking and seeding, as well as treating non-native hay species and allowing native plants to colonize on their own. All are managed through fire and/or bush hogging during non-burn years. Due to inadequate indicators and lack of staff /expertise, the park has a very limited understanding of the ecological condition of the grasslands. Since research has shown that diversity of grassland plants and animals is highly dependent on management frequency and regime, it is likely that the full ecological value of these important habitats is not being realized. These outcomes will immediately direct field management in the park going forward. In addition, recently acquired agricultural fields will be converted to grassland habitat. The seed mix and initial management of these fields will also be informed by the outcome of this project.

Condition Assessment Management Plan for Park Grasslands

Products

Collections