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<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Tahoma>Here's a simpler technique for using marking flags
to check a large area systematically and efficiently for garlic mustard and
other invasive plants. I modified the original email message.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Tahoma><FONT face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
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<DIV>I annually check a large flood plain for garlic mustard. I have
been removing it there since 2001 and now I just find scattered plants, possibly
due to tiny missed plants dropping a few seeds or due to floods bringing in
seed.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Tahoma></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Tahoma>To efficiently scout for garlic mustard in this
large wooded area, this year I decided to use marking flags. I am
using 2x3 inch marking flags on 21 inch wire staffs from Lowes tool
section. The flags are available in white or orange.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Tahoma></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Tahoma>The area I checked is a long, 200-foot wide
floodplain with a creek on one side and an old dirt road on the other.
Here is the procedure I found most efficient.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Tahoma></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Tahoma>Run a row of flags across the flood plain from the
road to the creek. The flags can be 15-20 feet apart in the row. Go
back to the road and run a parallel row of flags across the flood plain 10-12
feet from the first row. Check for and remove garlic mustard etc. while
placing and removing flags.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Tahoma></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Tahoma>After placing the second row of
flags, return back to the road along the first row
of flags and remove the flags as you scan for and remove invasive
plants. Then run the next row of flags and repeat the
procedure.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Tahoma></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Tahoma>This is a very efficient way to systematically
cover the area. Areas around each row of flags are
checked going in two directions. This helps you be sure you find all
the plants you want to pull. </FONT><FONT size=2 face=Tahoma>You
don't miss any area and you don't waste time checking the same area more
than needed.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Tahoma></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Tahoma>John Ambler</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Tahoma>Lancaster, PA</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>