Invasive Plant Removal at Gulf Islands National Seashore
Implementing Organization
US Department of the Interior
Overview
DWH Project Funding
$875,765
Known Leveraged Funding
$0
Funding Organization
Natural Resource Damage Assessment Trustees (NRDA)
Funding Program
Natural Resource Damage Assessment NRDA
Details
Project Category
Environmental
Project Actions
Habitat Restoration and Enhancement
Targeted Resources
Other
Project Description
This project originally intended to aggressively treat the five most problematic invasive plant species in the Fort Pickens, Santa Rosa, and Perdido Key areas of Gulf Islands National Seashore (GUIS); however, when the original survey of the project area occurred, ALL invasive plant species found were identified and inventoried and are being treated -- that total being 20 species. The project is helping to gradually restore coastal habitats and native plant species in these areas, which will likely allow native animal populations that depend on these coastal habitats and plants to also improve. The project will last for five years. Activities include: 1) locating and mapping the invasive species; 2) evaluating past and current treatment methods, researching new treatment methods, and developing a Treatment Action Plan (TAP) (this ended up being titled "Invasive Managment Plan"); 3) treating these species in accordance with the Plan for five years and reducing their populations to sizes that can be more easily managed in the future; both chemical and mechanical treatment methods are being used, as appropriate; 4) monitoring treatment success regularly to determine the treatment plan for the following year; 5) preparing a Project Completion Report that describes the work done, but also includes recommendations for future treatments; and 6) using information gathered and knowledge gained to provide the basis for an Exotic Plant Management Plan for GUIS (this was prepared and titled "Invasive Management Plan").
Contact
Nanciann Regalado(678) 296-6805
nanciann_regalado@fws.gov
Project Website
None
For official trustee information regarding the Deepwater Horizon NRDA, including information regarding the NRDA process and the status of projects, see https://www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov/