Weed Watcher

Page 6 Weed Watcher Contact Us! It is comprised of private, state, federal, and non-governmental organizations WeedWeed WatcherWatcher that recognize the importance of this ecosystem for its ecological, aesthetic, Give us a call to learn how recreational, economic, and cultural values. One of CASRI’s greatest success to get involved with the stories is that of Barton Bench. Potomac Highlands CWPMA Barton Bench is a 90 acre parcel of the Mower Tract, a 40,856 acre tract of 200 Sycamore St. Elkins, WV 26241 Newsletter of the Potomac Highlands CWPMA Winter 2014 land on Cheat Mountain predominately comprised of reclaimed mine land. 304-636-1800 Barton Bench had been mined for coal in the 1970s and was acquired by the The Potomac Invasive Species Spotlight: Emerald Ash Borer Attacks New Host Visit us on the web at U.S. Forest Service in the 1980s. The federal mine reclamation standards left Highlands Cooperative www.phcwpma.org Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis) has Wright State University in Ohio has discov- the area in poor ecological condition. The soils were heavily compacted, al- Weed and Pest been threatening ash tree populations since ered evidence of this invasive species in- lowing for very little water infiltration, and the area had also been planted Management Area its discovery in southwestern Michigan in fecting white fringetrees (Chionanthus vir- with dense, non-native grass species and Norway spruce, which hindered re- (CWPMA) is a 2002. In fact, this invasive species has now ginicus). Cipollini discovered what appeared colonization of valuable native species. Prior to the mining activities, the area partnership to spread to 24 states and 2 Canadian provinc- to be a D-shaped exit hole characteristic of had been a red spruce-northern hardwood ecosystem, an ecosystem known manage invasive es to date. The Emerald Ash Borer has killed the Emerald Ash Borer on a white fringetree for its biodiversity and valuable ecological services including, but not limited species in the tens of millions of ash trees throughout in his yard. After further investigation, Cipol- Like the Potomac Highlands on to, long-term carbon storage and improved watershed health. The red spruce Potomac Highlands of Facebook to stay up to date on North America, causing both environmental lini discovered larvae and an adult body re- ecosystem provides habitat for the federally endangered Cheat Mountain sal- the latest news! West Virginia and and economic damage to communities. Ash sembling that of the Emerald Ash Borer in amander and recently delisted West Virginia northern flying squirrel, as well Virginia. seeds are an important part of many ani- several whitefringe trees throughout Spring- as other important game and nongame species such as the saw-whet owl, www.facebook.com/ PHCWPMA mals’ diets and its timber is highly valued. field and Dayton, Ohio. He sent his findings snowshoe hare, golden eagle, and ruffed grouse. Ash is predominantly used in baseball bats, to the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspec- Restoring such a degraded ecosystem is not easy, and Barton’s Bench re- Inside this Issue: hockey sticks, furniture, flooring, and tools. tion Service for further testing and review. quired a lot of hard work and dedication. Through a number of partnerships Cipollini’s findings were recently confirmed PLACE The small, metallic green Emerald Ash Bor- and grants, enough funds were raised to begin the restoration process. In STAMP by a USDA’s Systematic Entomology Labora- HERE Invasive Species ers kills ash trees by burrowing into the cam- 2010, ‘deep ripping’ began. Deep ripping is a decompaction technique, in Spotlight: Emerald Ash bium layer of the bark, effectively cutting all tory in Maryland. which a large dozer and ripping shank are used to fracture the soil surface and Borer...pg. 1-2 nutrients and water to the tree. Now, it ap- White fringetrees, native to the United allow water to penetrate the ground. Following the deep ripping, volunteers pears the Emerald Ash Borer is targeting a States, are in the olive family and a relative planted over 17,000 native trees! Next, 130 vernal pools were created and Next Steps for the new tree species. Professor Don Cipollini of of ash. They range from New Jersey to Flori- failing sediment ponds were restored. The vernal pools were also planted CWPMA...pg.2 da and westward from Oklahoma into with native wetland species. Vernal pools are seasonal wetlands that provide Displays Distributed in Texas. These trees are rare and can be important habitat for a variety of wildlife, including microinvertebrates, am- West Virginia ...pg. 3 identified by fringy-looking white flowers phibians, turtles, bats, birds, and small mammals. These wetlands filter water, 200 Sycamore St. and purple, olive-like fruit. They can be improving quality, and replenish groundwater. Finally, a 3-panel interpretive Elkins, WV 26241 Phone: 304-636-1800 Where We Work: Bar- found as deciduous shrubs or small trees kiosk was placed onsite to inform the public of the expansive project. ton Bench...pg. 3 & 6 growing up to 30 feet tall. Today, restoration continues on the Mower Tract. In the future, Barton Bench More research is needed, but this initial and other sites will ideally return to healthy, productive red spruce-northern CWPMA Field Crew finding has major implications. If Emerald hardwood ecosystems, providing wildlife habitat, improving watershed condi- Update...pgs. 4-5 Ash Borers have found a new host, then tions, storing carbon, and preserving recreation and culture in the beautiful white fringetrees may be susceptible to Monongahela National Forest. huge population losses like the ash trees. Article submitted by K. Stockton, AFHA AmeriCorps, USFS EAB Exit Pattern courtesy of Don Cipollini Continued on page 2 Page 2 Weed Watcher Page 5 Weed Watcher Emerald Ash Borer cont. Be careful however, as these rosettes can resemble leaves of native plants, with wild violets (Viola spp.) and littleleaf buttercup (Ranunculus abor- It is also important to consider the infestations by Emerald Ash Borers, as tivus) being some of the most similar. It’s important to re- effects that white fringetree population well. member that garlic mustard leaves generally have much loss will have on the wildlife that have deeper veins and a less ‘shiny’ appearance than look-alikes. come to depend on its fruits, flowers, and leaves. Furthermore, other trees in Article submitted by K. Stoltzfus, AFHA The winter also affords the opportunity to target other inva- the olive family may be vulnerable to AmeriCorps, USFS sives like bush honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii), autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), and multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora). Next Steps for the CWPMA Wild Violet courtesy of Minnesotawildflowers.info With fewer bugs and poisonous plants to contest with, as The Potomac Highlands region of West Vir- well as longer lines of sight afforded by less vegetation, con- ginia and Virginia includes some of the trolling invasives can be much easier in the winter, provided most unique landscapes found in the Cen- tral Appalachians. With over 120 rare ani- the plants are properly identified. Invasive honeysuckle twigs mals, plants, and natural communities have hollow piths, along with distinctive yellow-green leaves identified, it contains one of the richest in the fall. Autumn olive is multi-stemmed with light brown concentrations of biological diversity in the East. The Potomac Highlands Cooperative twigs which turn to light grey, and the stems are covered in “We are exploring Weed and Pest Management Area is committed to maintaining and improving this rich opportunities to natural treasure. lenticels which make them feel rough to the touch. Littleleaf Buttercup courtesy of redoribt.com Multiflora rose can be distinguished from blackberries by its work with addi- For the past five years, the CWPMA has actively worked to address the growing threat tional partners from non-native invasive species in this landscape. Throughout the pages of this news- round cross-section vs the square shape of the blackberry, useful in the winter when and entities…” letter, we will reflect upon these successes, none of which would have been possible the fringed stipules at the base of the leaf stalks of multiflora rose are absent. The red, without interest and support from you. While it is important to pause to reflect upon leathery rosehips of multiflora rose do persist throughout the winter, and serve as an- these achievements, we are also looking forward and creating a vision for the future. With this in mind, the Potomac Highlands CWPMA is actively renewing its Memorandum other useful diagnostic character. The honeysuckle and autumn olive often retain some of Understanding and updating its Strategic Plan, which sets out our framework for ac- of their leaves into early winter, and the red berries of these species also persist into tion over the next five years. early winter, helping with identification. Before electing to control an invasive plant, We are exploring opportunities to work with additional partners and entities in order to always make sure it is properly identified in order to avoid killing native species! improve our economic resources, geographic coverage, and collaborative opportunities and we are making strides to reach out to more landowners with technical assistance to The mission of Potomac Highlands CWPMA is the prevention and management of inva- treat and remove invasive species. The CWPMA has been treating dozens of properties for several years, and as we realize success in many areas, we are refreshing our portfo- sive species in the headwaters region of the South Branch of the Potomac River in West lio of properties to be treated. If you are interested in working with the CWPMA or in Like the Potomac Highlands Virginia and Virginia. learning more about how you can control invasive species on your property, please con- CWPMA on facebook to stay tact us at 304-636-1800.

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