2015 Central Florida Invasive Species Workshop. Nuisance Exotic Species Prioritization & Alternatives

Transcription

1 2015 Central Florida Invasive Species Workshop Nuisance Exotic Species Prioritization & Alternatives Presented by Laura Morris - February 25 th, 2015

2 Overview 1. Classification and Nomenclature 2. Why Prioritization? 3. Alternatives

3 Classification and Nomenclature Definitions: 1. Native - a plant present within Florida at the time of European contact (early sixteenth century ). 2. Non-native (Exotic)* - a plant that has been introduced to Florida from outside its native range, either purposefully or accidentally. 3. Naturalized - a plant that has been introduced to a new geographic region (by humans or other) and is reproducing and expanding beyond the original introduced location. 4. Nuisance or Invasive - a plant that is expanding its range and disrupting native plant communities. This term is generally applied to exotic species, but native plants (i.e. cattail (Typha spp.) can also be considered a nuisance plant within restoration projects. Often referred to as Invasive Exotics. * Follows the classification of the Atlas of Florida Vascular Plants (University of South Florida (USF)

4 Classification and Nomenclature Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPCC): Category I - Invasive exotic plants that alter native plant communities by displacing native species, changing community structures or ecological functions, or hybridizing with natives. (Definition does not rely on the economic severity or geographic range of the problem, but on the documented ecological damage caused.) Category II - Invasive exotics that have increased in abundance or frequency but have not yet altered Florida plant communities to the extent shown by Category I species. These species may become Category I if ecological damage is demonstrated. List is Compiled by Professional Botanists & Others every 2 Yrs.

5 Where s Waldo?

6 Why Prioritization? 1. Species # and Identification

7 Recognition of the Invasion References found in: 1 -

8 Identification of Our Target Species Wetlands Uplands

9 Identification of Our Target Species Case by Case

10 Why Prioritization? 1. Species # and Identification 2. Management Concerns

11 Management Concerns $ Economics $ USF Plant Atlas Florida Plants 4,200 69% 31% NATIVE NON-NATIVE Restoration practitioners miss an opportunity when they divert funds to the eradication, containment, or control of aliens that might in fact be benign players or, in some cases, allies in the restoration process. Ewel & Putz (2004) Additional references found in: Antonio & Meyerson (2002), FDACS Coile (2002), FWC Invasive Plant Management Annual Report ( ), & Langland et. al. (2008)

12 Management Concerns Overspray / Overuse of Herbicides Non-Invasive, Non-native species not typically found in monocultures Opens niche for truly invasive species Herbicide resistance Unnecessary collateral damage can be caused by attempts to eradicate innocuous alien species. - Ewel & Putz (2004) Additional references found in: Luken (1997), SER Primer (2004), Langeland, et.al. (2011), Miller et. al. (2010), & Hutchinson, et. al. (2007)

13 Management Concerns Loss of Biodiversity Sustainability Unwanted & Unintended Impacts on Native Species Cultural Landscape However, not all exotic species are harmful. Indeed, some even fulfill ecological roles formerly played by the native species that have become rare or extirpated. SER Primer Additional references found in: Zavaleta, et. al. (2001), Chapin et. al. (2000), SER Primer (2004), Clewell & Aronson (2013), & Smith et. al. (2010)

14 Management Concerns Logistics Equipment Contamination Disturbance (soils, plants, etc..) Location Access Safety Concerns * * * Photo Courtesy of Applied Aquatics Management of invasive vegetation in natural areas requires control methods that will minimize damage to non-target vegetation and soil. Langeland et. al. (2011) Additional references found in: Fisher et. al. (2009) & Miller et. al. (2010)

15 Management Concerns Misidentification Very Common Increased Risk Additional references found in: Langland et. al. (2008)

16 Management Concerns Misidentification: GIANT BRISTLEGRASS (Setaria magna ) & ELEPHANTGRASS (Pennisetum purpureum )

17 Why Prioritization? 1. Species # and Identification 2. Management Concerns 3. Invasion Focus

18 Invasion Focus Where to Treat? References found in: (Moody & Mack 1998)

19 Invasion Focus When to Treat? Seasonal Timing Consider Flowering/Fruiting Period Balancing a Stable Workforce

20 Alternatives Bio controls: MONGOOSE ATTACKS!!! References found in:

21 Alternatives Bio controls: References found in: 1 -

22 Alternatives First Bite Bio controls:

23 Alternatives Bio controls: Not the Alligator Flea Beetle References found in: ,

24 Alternatives Mowing Fire Mechanical or Hand Removal Aggressive Planting of Native Species

25 Numerous Invasive Species Sources USDA National Invasive Species Information Center ( The National Institute of Invasive Species Science ( Invasive.ORG ( Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council (SE-EPPC) ( Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) ( FFWCC Invasive Plant Mgmt. ( UF/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants (

26 Thank you for your time. Questions?