Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/11681/42149
Title: Vegetation community changes in response to phragmites management at Times Beach, Buffalo, New York
Authors: Schad, Aaron N.
Dick, Gary Owen, 1956-
Erickson, Kris
Fuhrmann, Paul
Dodd, Lynde L.
Keywords: Aquatic plants
Phragmites--Management
Beaches--Buffalo (N.Y.)
Buffalo River (N.Y.)
Publisher: Environmental Laboratory (U.S.)
Engineer Research and Development Center (U.S.)
Series/Report no.: Special Report (Engineer Research and Development Center (U.S.)) ; no. ERDC/EL SR-21-7
Abstract: Management of invasive phragmites (Phragmites australis [Cav.] Trin. Ex Steud.) in the United States has proven challenging over the last several decades. Various methods for control exist, but integrated approaches appear to have the most success. However, documentation of vegetation community–wide responses to these approaches remains limited. This study monitored plant community changes at Times Beach, New York, over a five-year period. In concert with mowing and thatch removal in all areas, the study evaluated two herbicides separately and together, representing three experimental treatment areas (TAs), for control efficacy by measuring plant community structure. Phragmites was targeted for treatments, avoiding native and nonproblematic non-native species when possible, to preserve beneficial habitat during phragmites control efforts. Monitoring results showed significant drops in phragmites relative cover, relative frequency, and importance values due to integrated management, regardless of herbicide treatment, with corresponding increases in these same values for native and other plant species. This suggests that prudent removal of phragmites is compatible with beneficial plant restorative efforts to maintain and improve habitat in infested areas.
Description: Special Report
Gov't Doc #: ERDC/EL SR-21-7
Rights: Approved for Public Release; Distribution is Unlimited
URI: https://hdl.handle.net/11681/42149
http://dx.doi.org/10.21079/11681/42149
Appears in Collections:Special Report

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