Invasive Plants in PNW Ecosystems
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Willapa Bay Spartina Control Program – Current Status and Lessons Learned.Wendy L. Brown, Washington Department of Natural Resources, The Willapa Bay Spartina Control Program, a multi-agency partnership, has been ongoing since the early 1990’s and began with little understanding of how to effectively accomplish the intended goal – complete eradication of Spartina alterniflora Loisel. (smooth cordgrass). In the early days, we did not have the appropriate tools, nor did we have a coordinated, large-scale plan. As we worked each season on control, the infestation of Spartina in Willapa Bay continued to increase, reaching approximately 8,500 acres at its peak in 2003. Using experiences gained from our more than 10 years working this issue and translating observations into meaningful changes in operations, we have seen significant declines in the Willapa Bay Spartina infestation over the past 3 years. Employing chemical, mechanical, and biological control methods and maintaining our current level of funding, we predict the infestation to be reduced to a maintenance level in 4-6 years. The presentation will show how the Willapa Bay Spartina infestation has changed over time (1994-2006), how our use of tools has evolved, and what important lessons have been learned from this enormous undertaking.
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