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During the past several decades, dozens of new and exotic
plant species have invaded the Appalachian highlands, creating what some
researchers describe
as one of the most serious threats to regional ecosystems currently facing
the region. Although methods of control have been attempted in the past,
results have been poorly documented. Likewise, no demonstration facility
exists within or bordering the Monongahela National Forest where different
treatments can be viewed, assessed, and tested on private or public land.
Funded by the National Forest Foundation and NiSource
Environmental Challenge Grants Program, the goal of the “Appalachian Highlands Invasive Species
Project” is to develop a community-based research, education, and
demonstration site at TMI’s Spruce Knob Mountain Center, dedicated
to the development of appropriate, cost-effective methods for the control
of invasive plants and restoration of native plants. The project objectives
are to (1) test a variety of methods to reduce and/or eliminate the invasive
plant species which pose the most significant threat to the growth of
native plant species, (2) encourage re-growth of native plant species,
(3) document
and disseminate the lessons learned to the general public, landowners,
government agencies, and the scientific community through on-site demonstrations,
publications,
brochures, and other media, (4) assure long-term monitoring and control
methods are in place by the end of the project period, and (5) involve
community members, organizations, and students from local schools and
colleges
Baseline data and other start up activities will commence in
June, 2004. Project partners will include The Nature Conservancy/West Virginia
Chapter;
Fish and Wildlife Service/Elkins, West Virginia; U.S. Forest Service/Elkins,
West Virginia; Division of Natural Resources/Elkins, West Virginia; and
local schools, landowners, and communities.
This site will be updated in the coming months as the project gets underway.
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