[MAIPC] What PATC is doing about Wavyleaf Basket Grass

[Beth Burnam]

BTW, it has been positively identified in Landenberg, PA by the White Clay Creek Watershed Manager. Got to imagine it's more places here.
________________________________
From: MAIPC [maipc-bounces at lists.maipc.org] on behalf of HTI Gmail [historictimekeepers at gmail.com]
Sent: Friday, September 23, 2016 9:54 AM
To: maipc at lists.maipc.org; Lee District Cooperators (leedistrictcooperators at yahoogroups.com); Wright, Michael C; jschwartze at pa.gov; Keiper, Steven D; Marian Orlousky; Jim_Schaberl at nps.gov; rwalker at alum.mit.edu; Hughes, Jake
Subject: [MAIPC] What PATC is doing about Wavyleaf Basket Grass

Below is the information I have compiled for PATC workers regarding wavyleaf basketgrass.  Thank you to Anstr Davidson, Stephanie Chapman, Kerrie Kyde, Mark Frey and Marian Orlousky for their input.

Feel free to use this text with your workers, including the link to the PATC (Potomac Appalachian Trail Club website where workers can find a PDF file that includes many photos for their information.  You also have permission to use the PDF file in you education efforts.  Marian Orlousky of ATC-MARO created it.

If anyone owns the photo showing the distinct edge where WLBG and stiltgrass meet, I would like to include that in an article that would reach PATC's 7000 members.  Please send it to me in best res and with your credits.  Thanks.

It would help me if you let me know if you use this info with your organization.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR TRAIL  WORKERS

This is to make you aware of a spreading invasive plant that is even of much greater concern than japanese stiltgrass.  Unlike stiltgrass, this weed (wavyleaf basketgrass) (WLBG) is a perennial and the plants regrow from existing root systems as well as dispersal by seed.  It was first found in Patapsco Valley State Park in Maryland around 1996 and has since spread throughout the understory of that park.  It is spreading in Virginia and may be in Pennsylvania as well.

Together, these two plants have a devastating impact on forest habitat.   Stiltgrass thrives in sun (edge), and WLBG thrives in shade (deep forest).   This is of concern to anyone who uses the forest: photographers, birders, botanists and hunters.    Like stiltgrass, it displaces food sources and nesting sites for wildlife.  If we locate colonies before they are established, we can "eradicate" them from that site.

NOTE:  On Sept. 21 I was notified by USFS Botanist Stephanie Chapman that wavyleaf was found and treated at a tool cache near the Massanutten Visitor Center.  We have to assume we humans are moving this stuff around.

This is not limited to the AT.  Please report all instances of wavyleaf basketgrass no matter where it is found.

Best Practices for Trail Workers to Protect Public and Personal Property

1.      RECOGNIZE,AVOID, REPORT let the pros destroy it. This is the
single most important thing we can do!

2.      Avoid using personal equipment unless you are pretty sure your
trail is clean (Eddmaps)  ( https://www.eddmaps.org/distribution/viewmap.cfm?sub=79593 )

3.      Remove all seeds on clothing, shoes and equipment with duct
tape BEFORE leaving the site (Bag and arrange for incinerating the waste if possible; avoid sending in unsealed container (paint can) to landfill)

4.      Put a plastic bag over the trimmer head

5.      Clean boot treads with a screwdriver

6.      Use Nylon clothing


This is the game from August to February!


Read the Alert (PDF file) very carefully.  Direct questions to your land unit manager or the PATC Club Naturalist (Dewey Clark) at historictimekeepers at gmail.com<mailto:historictimekeepers at gmail.com>.  The main danger we want workers to avoid is bringing the seed to your personal property or moving seed from infested sites to anywhere else.  It is important to recognize, avoid and report this plant so the land manager can eradicate it from your site.  Fall and winter are the times of highest risk.  The seeds are extremely sticky; read the alert located here:

http://www.patc.net/PATC/News/Wavyleaf_Basketgrass_Alert.aspx

In this version of the alert you have has much more information than the signage being placed on all PATC maintained trails (except in certain National Park Units which require approval).

Please feel free to share this with any of your foresters; some professionals may not yet be aware of this.  The information has been thoroughly vetted by ecologists from almost every one of PATC's partners.

If you are inclined, there is an App available for identification and reporting (including location and photos) to a database used by our partners.  The App is called MAEDN  and be found here:  http://apps.bugwood.org/apps/mid-atlantic/

It is easy to use but may take some explaining.  We can provide classes if you want; and we do have people already using it in SNP who can help with questions.

Or, please send your alerts to  ATC-MARO at invasive at appalachinatrail.org<mailto:invasive at appalachinatrail.org>.   Photos and trail section info will help greatly.  If you would, CC historictimekeepers at gmail.com<mailto:historictimekeepers at gmail.com> so we can ensure the non-AT trail land managers are informed.

Regards,

Dewey Clark
Club Naturalist
Co-District Manager (PA)
Election Committee Chair
Potomac Appalachian Trail Club
Maryland Master Naturalist
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