Invasive and exotic plant management in Denali National Park and Preserve: 2013 summary report.
Dates
Year
2014
Citation
Apgar-Kurtz, S., and Mahovlic, W., 2014, Invasive and exotic plant management in Denali National Park and Preserve: 2013 summary report. : National Park Service, v. NPS/DENA/NRDS—2014/639.
Summary
In 2013 the Exotic Plant Management Team (EPMT) had a dual focus in Denali National Park and Preserve: to collect accurate data about the exotic plants in the park and to treat existing infestations. This was done using Global Positioning Systems to map the locations of the infestation and manual treatment of invasive plants, or in a few cases, the use of chemical treatment. Invasive plants are prioritized in part by the Alaska Natural Heritage Program’s invasive plant ranking system and phenology. Higher ranking plants may be pulled later in the season because a lower ranking plant goes to seed first. There has been a considerable attempt to manage and reduce the size and number of infestations of invasive plants over the ten years [...]
Summary
In 2013 the Exotic Plant Management Team (EPMT) had a dual focus in Denali National Park and Preserve: to collect accurate data about the exotic plants in the park and to treat existing infestations. This was done using Global Positioning Systems to map the locations of the infestation and manual treatment of invasive plants, or in a few cases, the use of chemical treatment. Invasive plants are prioritized in part by the Alaska Natural Heritage Program’s invasive plant ranking system and phenology. Higher ranking plants may be pulled later in the season because a lower ranking plant goes to seed first. There has been a considerable attempt to manage and reduce the size and number of infestations of invasive plants over the ten years the EPMT has existed in Denali. This year 1,417 pounds (4.89 acres) of invasive plants were pulled, 66 pounds of un-cleaned native seeds were collected, and 0.35 were re-vegetated using native seed with volunteers donating 1480 hours for the entire 2013 summer. This was accomplished with dedication from: a Student Conservation Association (SCA) intern, three Southeast Alaska Guidance Association (SAGA) crews, and six individuals. This year also marked the first year of using Windows Live Photo Gallery to organize photos and to eliminate the need for storing duplicates.