DESCRIPTION
Spotted
jewelweed (Impatiens capensis - IMCA) is an extremely aggressive invader
of wet shaded riparian habitats where it eliminates native understory species
and shades out future tree seedlings. Native to the eastern United States, it
is considered by ONP, ONF, and county invasive plant specialists to be one of
the most problematic species to arrive on the Olympic Peninsula. It rapidly
fills areas where knotweed has been removed. This project will conduct road
surveys between April and June to identify plant locations, and follow flow
paths from ditches to streams and wetlands to survey for further invasion. All
sites will be mapped, and treatments will include manual and chemical. Pulled
plants will be removed due to stem rooting and seed spitting, and disposed of
safely. Outreach will include local and regional workshops and a prevention and
control protocol to inform and engage landowners, managers, and the public in
reporting and managing this noxious weed.
Spotted jewelweed (Impatiens capensis - IMCA) is an extremely aggressive invader of wet shaded riparian habitats where it eliminates native understory species and shades out future tree seedlings. An annual native to the eastern United States, it is considered by ONP, ONF, and county invasive plant specialists to be one of the most problematic species to arrive on the Olympic Peninsula. It rapidly fills sites where knotweed has been removed - replacing one invasive with yet another. This project will conduct treatment of known sites in the river and associated wetlands, tributaries and restoration project sites, and road surveys between April and June to identify plant locations, and follow flow paths from ditches to streams and wetlands to survey for further invasion, and pull or spray all IMCA found. All sites will be mapped for tracking and monitoring. Pulled plants will be removed due to stem rooting and seed spitting, and disposed of safely. Outreach will include local and regional workshops and a prevention and control protocol to inform and engage landowners, managers, and the public in reporting and managing this impactful noxious weed, and to protect the biodiversity and function of coastal watersheds.