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Changes in Biological Communities
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Invasive Species
Invasive species are species not native to an ecosystem, and whose introduction to that ecosystem can harm the environment, public health or welfare. Invasive species may constitute the largest single threat to our coastal ecosystem, our coastal economy, and human health in the coastal region. Invasive species often out-compete native species including species of special concern. All four coasts—East, West, Gulf, and Great Lakes—and the majority of the interior of this country have been severely impacted by aquatic invasive species.
Stewardship Stories
- Prudence Island Cooperative Weed Management Area, Narragansett Bay NERR, RI
- Spartina Survey and Control, Padilla Bay NERR, WA
- The Effect of Australian Pine Removal on Sea Turtle Nesting Patterns, Keewaydin Island, Florida, Rookery Bay NERR, FL
- Swift Tract Invasives Removal Project, Weeks Bay NERR, AL
Prudence Island Cooperative Weed Management Area
| Reserves: |
Narragansett Bay Reserve, RI |
| Time Period: |
May 2007 - ongoing |
| Partners: |
Prudence Conservancy, Audubon Society of Rhode Island, Prudence Improvement Association, Town of Portsmouth Dept. of Public Works, Prudence Island Utility Corporation, private landowners |
| Primary Issues: |
Invasive Species |
| Strategies: |
Restore |
| Abstract: |
The establishment of a cooperative weed management area (CWMA) for the entire geographic extent of Prudence Island (55% of which is managed by NBNERR for the State of Rhode Island) is on-going. Successfully in use throughout the western states, CWMAs are local organizations that provide a mechanism for sharing invasive plant management resources across jurisdictional boundaries in order to achieve widespread invasive plant prevention and control (www.mipn.org). This effort builds on an earlier partnership with our local conservancy group (Prudence Conservancy) which resulted in two informational workshops regarding invasive plant impacts, identification, and methods of control as well as the organization of a volunteer Weed Whacker group. Since its inception, the Prudence Island CWMA has adopted an island-wide control plan for autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb.), organized a series of volunteer Weed Whacker Workdays, hosted an alternative spring break program, promoted an Adopt-a-Spot volunteer effort, and provided educational materials to landowners in a variety of formats (e-alerts, newsletter articles, brochures). Current efforts are underway to expand the partnership to include additional private landowners and acquire access permission for the purpose of invasive plant control. |
| Submitted by: |
Robin Weber |
Spartina Survey and Control
| Reserves: |
Padilla Bay Reserve, WA |
| Time Period: |
1996 - Present |
| Partners: |
Washington State Dept. of Agriculture, Washington State Dept. of Fish & Wildlife, Skagit County Noxious Weed Board, the Swinomish Tribe, and volunteers |
| Primary Issues: |
Invasive Species |
| Strategies: |
Restore, manage |
| Abstract: |
Spartina alterniflora was planted in Padilla Bay at one location in the 1940s for erosion control. The Reserve started annual control in 1996. It peaked at 17 total acres in Padilla Bay in 1997 and has since been reduced to less than a tenth acre. Spartina anglica was planted on Camano Island (30 miles south) at one location in the 1960s for erosion control and cattle forage. The seeds from those plants have since spread throughout the coastal area north of Puget Sound and are found in Padilla Bay as well. Annual survey and control keeps this plant in check and keeps the estuary habitats intact and healthy. |
| Learn More: |
Visit www.padillabay.gov (choose “stewardship”, then “invasive species & issues”, then “cordgrass.”) |
| Submitted by: |
Sharon Riggs |
The Effect of Australian Pine Removal on Sea Turtle Nesting Patterns, Keewaydin Island, Florida
| Reserves: |
Rookery Bay Reserve, FL |
| Time Period: |
1998 - Present |
| Partners: |
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida |
| Primary Issues: |
Invasive Species |
| Strategies: |
Restore |
| Abstract: |
The invasive exotic Australian pine (Casuarina equisetifolia) is a serious threat to native habitats in South Florida. The pine proliferates in coastal areas forming monocultures. They fall over easily during strong winds making nesting habitat inaccessible to sea turtles. In March of 1998, Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve began a large scale restoration project on Keewaydin Island to remove 142 hectares of live Australian pines and fallen pines from along the beach. Keewaydin Island is a 12 kilometer primary barrier island off the coast of Naples, Florida and historically has been an important nesting ground for loggerhead (Caretta caretta) sea turtles. Global Positioning System (GPS) locations of the nests were recorded during the 1998 – 2008 nesting seasons. The locations were mapped in ArcGIS along with the Australian pine removal areas to determine whether removing the fallen pines was successful in restoring nesting beach habitat. Analysis of the spatial data indicated that there was not a significant difference in nesting density between the areas where fallen Australian pines were removed and the natural beach areas. Therefore, the removal project appears to be successful in restoring sea turtle nesting habitat. |
| Submitted by: |
Jill Schmid |
Swift Tract Invasives Removal Project
| Reserves: |
Weeks Bay Reserve, AL |
| Time Period: |
Indefinate |
| Partners: |
AmeriCorps NCCC, Weeks Bay Volunteer Association, Weeks Bay Foundation |
| Primary Issues: |
Invasive Species |
| Strategies: |
Protect, manage |
| Abstract: |
The Swift Tract is a 615 acre parcel on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay that is contiguous with the 760 acre Weeks Bay Mitigation Tract. The property contains pitcher plant bog, forested wetland, brackish and freshwater marsh, and scrub/shrub. Hurricanes Ivan and Katrina caused extensive die back of woody species due to salt water intrusion. This disturbance has resulted in a dramatic increase number and distribution of Sapium sebiferum and Sessbania sp. within tract boundaries. Physical treatment of these invasives is an ongoing effort of Weeks Bay NERR staff and collaborators. A 95% reduction in number of exotic invasisve species is desired. |
| Submitted by: |
Eric Brunden |
Last Updated on: Thursday, November 19, 2009
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