NEWS

Agencies Release a Plan to Prevent and Control Biological Invasions in the Raystown Branch of the Juniata Watershed

Huntington, PA, 1/7/08 -- Through funding provided to Southern Alleghenies Conservancy by the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service and to Natural Biodiversity by the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds, Natural Biodiversity has created a comprehensive management plan that was designed to prevent the spread of invasive plants and noxious weeds that are threatening the Raystown Watershed. The spread of invasive plant species is one of the most pressing environmental issues that we are facing today. The year long study was designed to pin-point species locations; provide prioritized control recommendations for each species; and to aid in the ultimate goals of minimizing invasive plant impacts, conserving biodiversity, and restoring wildlife habitat within the Raystown Watershed.

The Raystown Riparian Vegetation Conservation Plan is the result of a collaborative effort of over 60 individuals, non-profit, state, federal, and local agencies. Site assessments were conducted for 31 private landowners and at four state parks to identify the density and locations of invasive species and noxious weeds present. Focus was placed on private lands that were enrolled in conservation programs and public lands with streambank fencing or buffers. The relative environmental threat for each species was determined based on the extent of the invasive plant or noxious weed present, its ecological impact, its potential to spread, and its difficulty to control.

Recommendations for control efforts were focused on the plants that posed the greatest threat to their ecosystems, to agriculture, and to communities. One of the key actions recommended is the development of an early detection and rapid response program, which reduces the cost and man-power necessary to eliminate invasive populations. The plan includes species location maps species and landscape control recommendations, restoration techniques, and education and outreach strategies.

The complete conservation plan, along with invasive plant and noxious weed factsheets are available for download on both the Natural Biodiversity website (www.naturalbiodiversity.org), and the Juniata Clean Water Partnership website (www.jcwp.org). For more information on the Raystown Riparian Vegetation Conservation Plan please utilize either contact listed below.

Contacts:
Kristin Sewak
Director
Natural Biodiversity
ksewak@naturalbiodiversity.org
www.naturalbiodiversity.org

Ben Plunkett
Juniata Invasive Species Projects Coordinator
Juniata Clean Water Partnership
(814) 532-5049
(814) 506-1194
bplunkett@jcwp.org
www.jcwp.org


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