HELPING LAND MANAGERS CONTROL INVASIVE PLANTS IN NATURAL AREAS
Natural Resources/Aquaculture
Krista Stump
Natural Resources Extension Agent
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension
Kissimmee
Abstract
Invasive plants are non-native plants that cause damage to the environment, economy and/or human health. Invasive plant control is costly and complicated, requiring multi-agency management efforts and significant funding. Land managers are responsible for controlling invasives, but often face a steep uphill battle managing thousands of acres of rapidly spreading plants. The Extension agent partnered with the Osceola Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area to plan and facilitate a one-day, six-hour Herbicide Use in Natural Areas Workshop. The program objectives were to improve the knowledge of area land managers by 50% and for 100% of attendees to apply workshop information in the field. The free workshop featured expert speakers from the University of Florida, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, the state Florida Forest Service, and the Florida Natural Areas Inventory. Topics included herbicide labels and safety, herbicide mixing math, uplands and aquatic invasive identification and control, remote sensing of invasives, and herbicide use in sensitive habitats. The agenda included a hands-on outdoor activity to practice equipment decontamination. There was also a demonstration of an open-access application to track invasive plant cover over time using aerial imaging. Thirty land managers from across Florida attended the workshop. According to a post-event evaluation, 100% of attendees improved their knowledge about each topic. On average, they increased their knowledge by 72%. Twenty-seven of the attendees were pesticide applicators. According to the post-survey, these land managers cumulatively manage over 750,000 acres of land. All attendees indicated they are likely or very likely to use the information provided in the workshop for their job. A follow-up survey of 12 attendees found that 100% of respondents applied something learned from the workshop to their daily operations. As invasive plants continue to spread, land manager education will lead to more effective control saving time, money, and manpower. More efficient invasive plant control can allow for reallocation of funds to native habitat restoration. Furthermore, proper control will protect Florida’s ecosystems, maintaining the ecological benefits of natural lands.
Authors: Krista Stump
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Krista Stump Natural Resources Extension Agent, University of Florida Extension, Florida, 34744