Management

Each geographical and ecological setting is unique and may require the use of different methods to ensure appropriate, effective, and permitted control measures. The information provided here lists steps to take to control the target terrestrial invasive plant species in a variety of situations.

Narrowing the Focus

Some landscapes are routinely cultivated, such as roadside right-of-ways. Invasive plant species are commonly held in check within these specific growing mediums. When invasive plants are abundant, widely distributed, and capable of expanding beyond these “edge communities” and into more natural, sensitive settings, they are ranked as a higher threat to the native biodiversity of the Adirondack Park 's lands and waters.

Four terrestrial invasives, garlic mustard, purple loosestrife, common reed, and Japanese knotweed, were chosen as target terrestrial plants to inventory, control, and monitor. They were targeted because they are currently observed as displaying this accelerated ability to invade natural systems and are expanding into sensitive areas of the Adirondack Park faster and in greater abundance than other non-native plants documented in the 1998-1999 roadway & right-of-way surveys ( Project Overview ).

Early Detection and Rapid Response

The best and most effective control method of invasive species is to prevent their initial establishment. As an invasive species increases its population numbers and aerial extent it gets progressively more difficult and expensive to eliminate or control.

In fact, as numbers rise, the chance of eliminating the plant decreases and at some point elimination of the weed becomes impossible.

Best Management Practices

Best management practices ( BMP's ) are created to provide expert general and specific guidance to individuals and groups seeking to effectively and safely manage invasive species. They include the latest techniques for invasive plant management while still considering environmental and regulatory restrictions. Anyone actively engaged in invasive plant management may be able to add to or modify BMP's for their local area based on their experiences. Participation in invasive plant species listserves help to aid in the evolution of BMP's to better reflect local conditions.

Garlic mustard: http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu/esadocs/allipeti.html

Purple loosestrife: http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu/esadocs/lythsali.html

Common reed: http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu/esadocs/phraaust.html

Japanese knotweed: http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu/esadocs/polycusp.html

Prevent the Spread of Terrestrial Invasive Plants – You Can Make a Difference!

• Remove all plants fragments or propagules from clothing and vehicles such as cars, campers, trailers, ATVs, motorcycles, etc. prior to embarking on or returning from an out of town trip. This includes scraping or washing encrusted mud from the undersurface of boots or vehicles.
• Dispose of invasive plants in a sealed trash bag, in an approved landfill, or at a transfer station.
• Learn to identify and report invasive plants.
• Avoid driving, running, pedaling, or walking through invasive plant infestations. This can promote their spread by picking up plant fragments or seeds on your clothing or equipment and transporting to other locations.
• Plant native plants when landscaping. Check out this website for a preliminary list of native species in the Park: www.apa.state.ny.us/Research/ADK_Native_Plant_List.htm or check out this list of alternative native plants to invasive ornamental plants. Another reference for native species is the New York State Flora Atlas.
• Volunteer to assist with inventory or control activities.

 What to Do if You Spot a Terrestrial Invasive Plant on Your Property

• Confirm identification. If you need assistance in identification, collect a sample of the entire plant, including stems, leaves, and flowers, if present, and press in newspaper. Contact the APIPP Program Coordinator.
• Review the best management practices listed on this website.
• Determine whether you need a permit to perform controls, and obtain permit if necessary.
• Perform the appropriate control and dispose of plants in a sealed trash bag, in an approved landfill, or at a transfer station.
• Monitor for re-growth of unwanted vegetation and repeat controls as necessary.

What to Do if You Spot a Terrestrial Invasive Plant along a Roadside or on Public Land

• Record species and location (use Route number; road reference markers if present or distance from nearest intersection; north, south, east, west directionals , etc.)
• Review the plant distribution maps on this website to verify whether or not the infestation is recorded.
• Report new sighting to APIPP Program Coordinator.

 Contact or Mail plant sample to:

Hilary Oles , Program Coordinator

Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program

c/o Adirondack Nature Conservancy

Keene Valley , New York 12943

     518-576-2082 x 131