PA Environment Digest

Many watershed associations will be doing stream clean-ups and buffer plantings. Here are a few things to consider when planning these activities.

Since the goal of any group carrying out stream restoration is to improve stream quality, introducing invasive plants or animals into the system being restored is not desirable.

When installing a riparian buffer, the tools used to plant the trees should be clean and free of soil that can contain seeds or plant fragments from other sites. Purple loosestrife, Japanese stiltgrass or mile-a-minute for example, are invasive plant species that can take over the area being restored. They are prolific seed producers. Seeds can also be moved by water currents during heavy rains or moved in contaminated hay, soil or potted plants, and on footwear.

Plant fragments may be carried in moist soil and have the potential to begin an infestation. Seeds and plant fragments also spread in soil trapped in tire and track treads of heavy equipment, so be sure those are free of soil.

A good resource useful for identifying invasive plants in the area being restored is the Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas.These invasive plants should be controlled both before and after planting since seed will often remain viable in the soil for several years.

Equipment used to do work in the water such as nets, boots, boats or trailers all need to be cleaned, drained and dried before being moved from one watershed to another, particularly if invasive species are known to be in the last stream or creek visited.

Didymo (also called rocksnot) is a microscopic, single celled organism that can be transferred between streams in the soles of felt-soled wading boots as well as in clumps caught on boats or trailers.

Many invasive aquatic plant species are champions at reproducing by fragmentation. Any vegetation clinging to a boat or trailer should be removed before you leave a watershed. If not cleaned at time of departure, remove and disposed of any plant material well away from any water body. Do not wash the materials down any drains, dispose of it in the trash.

If working in the water, work from upstream to downstream to avoid carrying any invasive species further up the stream. Remember to "Go with the flow."

The Fish and Boat Commission has information and protocols posted on their Aquatic Invasive Species webpage for cleaning boat and fishing gear.

Share this: