Laserfiche WebLink
HOPE FOR A BIOLOGICAL CONTROL <br /> "Good news came this month,"wrote Cynthia Boyd in the St.Paul Pioneer Press,Sept.26,2001,"in a$20,001) <br /> report commissioned by the Minnesota Depaituient of Natural Resources from the Center for Applied Bioscience <br /> International in Delmont,Switzerland. The 100 page research paper includes a list of 14 insects that are possible <br /> natural predators(of buckthorn),thus potential control agents."According to Luke Skinner and Jay Rendall, <br /> coordinators in the DNR's exotic species program,the feasibility study was completed in 2001,but the entire study <br /> may take up to ten years to complete. The next step will be to test the 14 species and determine which ones harm <br /> buckthorn exclusively. In the mean-time it is up to us to make an effort to control buckthorn in an ecologically- <br /> friendly way. Then we will see the return of our native plants. <br /> OVERWHELMED BY IT ALL? <br /> If'you've worked in a heavily buckthorn-infested area,it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Don't give up. Buckthorn has <br /> had decades to get a root-hold ahead of those of us who would like to eliminate it. With the control methods <br /> described here,total elimination of buckthorn on a city lot is possible. In larger wooded areas the volume of <br /> buckthorn biomass can be staggering. There,it will be a multi-year battle::fi st against the large plants,later against <br /> the seedlings that will emerge. The cost in terms of human-power,time,equipment,and dollars is high. Reduction <br /> of the critical mass is possible;so prioritization is essential. Knowing what to do and doing something is far better <br /> than leaving the invasion unchecked. See priorities below for a good place to start. <br /> BUCKTHORN REDUCTION PRIORITIES FOR THOSE OVERWHELMED <br /> OR WITH A LIMITED BUDGET <br /> I. Survey your site to find pockets of remaining native plants. Clear around these plants first. By doing this you <br /> "release" these plants from their buckthorn competition. Protect them from being harmed during cutting <br /> and removal. Sometimes these natives are very,very small,the size of sticks;but they are worth protecting, <br /> because when they are freed,they bounce back with new growth. Find a local native plant expert to help you <br /> with identification. Use colored ribbon flagging to mark the special plants to protect. These remnants are the <br /> very important local gene pool(plants that are indigenous to your area). <br /> 2. Remove or kill female buckthorn first.This stops annual seed production in the area.Mark the female plants <br /> when ever fruit is visible,late summer through winter,for priority removal. <br /> 1 Protect quality wooded areas that are only partially infested first. <br /> FOR NEIGFIBORHOOD REMOVAL PROJECTS <br /> 4. Partner with conservation groups,your city,garden clubs,other neighborhood volunteers. <br /> 5. Search locally for potential grant funding,then write grant proposals. <br /> Ask local businesses and foundations for assistance. <br /> 6. Prioritize buckthorn removals to be in high-profile areas;for example,along bike paths,parkways, and in <br /> parks. <br /> 7. Publicize what you're doing: put up informational signs in the project area;distribute flyers to nearby <br /> residents;write an article for your local paper or association. <br /> 8. Stop to answer questions of all those who inquire while you are working. <br /> These methods sound like a lot of work,and frankly it is. The benefits of organizing a project are many. When I <br /> began to organize projects in my neighborhood,I met neighbors for the first time after living only a few doors away <br /> for many years. You will be proud of your work when you see how the natives respond to release. Helping to <br /> preserve a small piece of our diminishing native woodlands,savannas and wetlands is noble indeed. Good luck, <br /> See page 8 for references and where to go for more information. <br /> 7 <br />