Discovering how to manage an invasive grass threatening camas (Camassia quamash) presence

Project ID: P24AC01553

Federal Agency: National Park Service

Partner Institution: University of Idaho

Fiscal Year: 2024

Initial Funding: $99,951

Total Funding: $99,951

Principal Investigator: Shawn Prather, Timothy

Agreement Technical Representative: Erdey, Tabitha

Abstract:

Performance Goals – The purpose of this project is to research, identify, and evaluate the potential impacts of herbicide treatment on the bulbs of Camassia quamash (gémes). Though populations of qémes have been significantly reduced across its range, the traditional harvest of gémes bulbs still plays an important role in the cultural practices of many Tribes. Areas where qémes occurs today are either located near private agricultural lands or have been highly disturbed, and there is concern among traditional users about potential impacts of herbicides on qémes bulbs. Specifically, traditional root diggers are extremely concerned about the potential for residual amounts of herbicide used in prairie restoration to combat invasive species being absorbed and stored in the bulbs. This study proposes to evaluate impacts of herbicides recommended to treat common invasive species in gémes prairies and assess how those treatments can affect the edibility of gémes bulbs.

Project Objectives – Research at Weippe Prairie (WER) provides an opportunity to work with nimíipuu tribal partners and strengthen tribal relationships, while confronting invasive species issues that currently affect both tribal and other federally managed lands. Additionally, the identification of best management practices (BMPs) to manage invasive weeds while providing for traditional harvest and safe consumption can provide an opportunity to bring traditional harvest back to WEPR and contribute to Nez Perce National Historical Park (NEPE) upholding treaty responsibilities within the traditional use area of nimíipuu people. Incorporating traditional use and gémes harvest can aid in restoration of qémes, as traditional ecological knowledge identifies qémes harvesting can have a positive effect on gémes densities through weeding and aeration, outcomes associated with digging methods.