DOCSLIB.ORG

Impacts of Nutrient Loads on the Invasion Potential of Butomus Umbellatus L

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Impacts of Nutrient Loads on the Invasion Potential of Butomus Umbellatus L IMPACTS OF NUTRIENT LOADS ON THE INVASION POTENTIAL OF BUTOMUS UMBELLATUS L. ON OTTAWA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE DIKED WETLANDS Erica L. Forstater A Thesis Submitted to the Graduate College of Bowling Green State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE August 2020 Committee: Helen Michaels, Advisor Andrew Gregory Kevin McCluney Angélica Vázquez-Ortega © 2020 Erica Forstater All Rights Reserved iii ABSTRACT Helen Michaels, Advisor Introduced to the Great Lakes Region from Europe before 1900, invasive Butomus umbellatus (Flowering rush) forms monotypic stands that crowd native species and cover open water systems across Great Lakes shorelines and reservoirs in the northern US. Factors contributing to invasion persistence and impacts on ecosystem function by this species are poorly understood. This study characterizes vegetation and environmental factors at the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, which borders Lake Erie, to understand how sediment nutrient levels in watersheds affect B. umbellatus invasion. We hypothesized that increased sediment nutrient levels are important drivers of B. umbellatus invasion success. Sediment nutrient levels, matter, water depth, and vegetation were sampled within 1m2 plots throughout the management units of the marsh complex. Vegetation of B. umbellatus and 18 other species present were harvested or canopy characteristics measured to estimate biomass. B. umbellatus was the most abundant of all identified emergent invasive species found, occurring at 55 % of the surveyed plots. B. umbellatus rhizome bud count averaged 509 per plot, with a range of 0 – 2760 buds. While sediment nutrient analysis of nitrogen and phosphorus showed heterogeneity within and across management units, nutrient levels did not predict B. umbellatus abundance. However, B. umbellatus biomass decreased with increasing community biomass. Vegetative propagule production via rhizome buds decreased with increased nutrients and increased community biomass. B. umbellatus was found to have a wide range of nitrogen and phosphorus in leaf tissue, and 2 – 4 times more average phosphorus than all analyzed native species. This data will assist managers in identifying timing and approaches for controlling this invasive species and restoring wetland biodiversity. iv ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Thank you to my advisor, Dr. Helen Michaels, and my committee members, Dr. Kevin McCluney, Dr. Andrew Gregory, and Dr. Angélica Vázquez-Ortega for their patience and commitment to guiding me through my degree. Thank you for encouraging me to continue my education and research. I would also like to thank my lab mates, Haley Meek, Rachel Wilson, and Meigan Day, for their assistance in my fieldwork and their company through our graduate careers. Thank you for all of your help at the refuge and in the lab, and for dealing with the mud everywhere. I would also like to thank Andie Fisher, Mary Jane Walther, and the General Botany undergraduates who assisted me in the field and in counting endless numbers of rhizome buds. I would likely still be counting buds if it were not for you. Thank you as well to my family members, friends, and new coworkers for all of the support as I worked through the most difficult time of my college career. I would like to especially thank my partner, Tyler, for his unwavering support of my research and my career interests. Finally, thank you to the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge and Ron Huffman for allowing me to sample on refuge land. Without their investments in my project, I would not have been able to learn as much as I have in the last few years. This project was funded by through the Ohio Lake Erie Commission (OLEC) and the Lake Erie Protection Fund (LEPF). The LEPF is supported by the citizens of Ohio through their purchase of the Lake Erie license plate. v TABLE OF CONTENTS Page INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................... 1 Wetlands .............................................................................................................. 1 Invasive Species in the Great Lakes ................................................................... 1 Natural History of Butomus umbellatus .............................................................. 3 Restoration Challenges ........................................................................................ 4 Scientific Gaps – Butomus umbellatus ................................................................ 6 Research Objective .............................................................................................. 7 Questions ............................................................................................................. 7 METHODOLOGY ........................................................................................................... 8 Site Description ..................................................................................................... 8 Survey Design ....................................................................................................... 10 Vegetation Sampling ............................................................................................. 11 Sediment Sampling ............................................................................................... 13 Biomass Regression Models ................................................................................. 15 Statistical Analyses ............................................................................................... 16 Question 1 ................................................................................................ 16 Question 2 ................................................................................................ 18 Question 3 ................................................................................................ 18 RESULTS ......................................................................................................................... 20 Site Description: Maps .......................................................................................... 20 Question 1 ............................................................................................................. 21 vi Community Composition and Environmental Correlates ......................... 21 Effects of Landscape Variables on B. umbellatus Biomass and Vegetative Bud Production ................................................................................................. 23 Question 2 ............................................................................................................. 24 Spatial Autocorrelation of B. umbellatus and Landscape Variables ......... 25 Question 3 ............................................................................................................. 26 Aboveground Tissue Concentrations ........................................................ 26 Effects of Landscape Variables on B. umbellatus Tissue Composition ... 27 DISCUSSION ................................................................................................................... 29 Effects of Landscape Variables on B.umbellatus Biomass and Bud Production .. 29 Effects of Landscape Variables on B.umbellatus Tissue Composition ............... 31 Aboveground Tissue Concentrations ................................................................... 33 Implications for Management ............................................................................... 36 REFERENCES ................................................................................................................. 39 APPENDIX A: FIGURES ................................................................................................ 49 APPENDIX B: TABLES .................................................................................................. 72 APPENDIX C: ADDITIONAL MAPS OF SAMPLE LOCATIONS .............................. 101 APPENDIX D: MODEL ANALYSES USING SEDIMENT N:P AS AN INDEPENDENT VARIABLE ...................................................................................................................... 109 APPENDIX E: COMPARISON OF CARBON CONCENTRATIONS IN B. UMBELLATUS AND NATIVE PLANT SPECIES.................................................................................... 127 1 INTRODUCTION Wetlands Since the beginning of the 20th century, 64 – 71 % of wetlands in the world have disappeared (Davidson 2014). Today, wetlands make up approximately 6 % of the Earth's land surface (Ramsar Convention Secretariat 2013). Despite their limited range, wetlands provide almost 40 % of the world's renewable ecosystem services, including water filtration and nutrient cycling (Costanza et al., 1997; Zedler and Kercher 2005). As technologies have improved and our population continues to grow, a reduction in and degradation of wetlands has occurred, through widespread habitat fragmentation for urban and agricultural development, alterations to irrigation across the landscape, and the spread of invasive species (Bedford 1999; Zedler 2012; Davidson 2014). Invasive Species in the Great Lakes Although an estimated $100 million is spent annually for invasive species management in the Great Lakes region alone, invasive species are still problematic (Rosaen et al., 2012). Well- studied invasive aquatic plant species, including Phalaris arundinacea L. (reed canary grass), Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. Ex Steud. (common reed), Typha angustifolia
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Introduction to Common Native & Invasive Freshwater Plants in Alaska
    Introduction to Common Native & Potential Invasive Freshwater Plants in Alaska Cover photographs by (top to bottom, left to right): Tara Chestnut/Hannah E. Anderson, Jamie Fenneman, Vanessa Morgan, Dana Visalli, Jamie Fenneman, Lynda K. Moore and Denny Lassuy. Introduction to Common Native & Potential Invasive Freshwater Plants in Alaska This document is based on An Aquatic Plant Identification Manual for Washington’s Freshwater Plants, which was modified with permission from the Washington State Department of Ecology, by the Center for Lakes and Reservoirs at Portland State University for Alaska Department of Fish and Game US Fish & Wildlife Service - Coastal Program US Fish & Wildlife Service - Aquatic Invasive Species Program December 2009 TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgments ............................................................................ x Introduction Overview ............................................................................. xvi How to Use This Manual .................................................... xvi Categories of Special Interest Imperiled, Rare and Uncommon Aquatic Species ..................... xx Indigenous Peoples Use of Aquatic Plants .............................. xxi Invasive Aquatic Plants Impacts ................................................................................. xxi Vectors ................................................................................. xxii Prevention Tips .................................................... xxii Early Detection and Reporting
    [Show full text]
  • Evolutionary History of Floral Key Innovations in Angiosperms Elisabeth Reyes
    Evolutionary history of floral key innovations in angiosperms Elisabeth Reyes To cite this version: Elisabeth Reyes. Evolutionary history of floral key innovations in angiosperms. Botanics. Université Paris Saclay (COmUE), 2016. English. NNT : 2016SACLS489. tel-01443353 HAL Id: tel-01443353 https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01443353 Submitted on 23 Jan 2017 HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est archive for the deposit and dissemination of sci- destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents entific research documents, whether they are pub- scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, lished or not. The documents may come from émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de teaching and research institutions in France or recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires abroad, or from public or private research centers. publics ou privés. NNT : 2016SACLS489 THESE DE DOCTORAT DE L’UNIVERSITE PARIS-SACLAY, préparée à l’Université Paris-Sud ÉCOLE DOCTORALE N° 567 Sciences du Végétal : du Gène à l’Ecosystème Spécialité de Doctorat : Biologie Par Mme Elisabeth Reyes Evolutionary history of floral key innovations in angiosperms Thèse présentée et soutenue à Orsay, le 13 décembre 2016 : Composition du Jury : M. Ronse de Craene, Louis Directeur de recherche aux Jardins Rapporteur Botaniques Royaux d’Édimbourg M. Forest, Félix Directeur de recherche aux Jardins Rapporteur Botaniques Royaux de Kew Mme. Damerval, Catherine Directrice de recherche au Moulon Président du jury M. Lowry, Porter Curateur en chef aux Jardins Examinateur Botaniques du Missouri M. Haevermans, Thomas Maître de conférences au MNHN Examinateur Mme. Nadot, Sophie Professeur à l’Université Paris-Sud Directeur de thèse M.
    [Show full text]
  • Status and Strategy for Flowering Rush (Butomus Umbellatus L.) Management
    State of Michigan’s Status and Strategy for Flowering Rush (Butomus umbellatus L.) Management Scope Invasive flowering rush (Butomus umbellatus L., hereafter FR) has invaded the shores of Michigan waterways since the early 1900’s (Core 1941; Stuckey 1968; Anderson et al. 1974). This document was developed by Central Michigan University and reviewed by Michigan Departments of Environmental Quality and Natural Resources for the purposes of: • Summarizing the current level of understanding on the biology and ecology of FR. • Summarizing current management options for FR in Michigan. • Identifying possible future directions of FR management in Michigan. This document used the current information available in journals, publications, presentations, and experiences of leading researchers and managers to meet its goals. Any chemical, company, or organization that is mentioned was included for its involvement in published, presented, or publically shared information, not to imply endorsement of the chemical, company, or organization. Biology and Ecology I. Identification Flowering rush is an emergent aquatic perennial plant with linear, sword-like leaves, triangular in cross-section, and a showy umble of pink flowers (Figure 1). Rhizomes (i.e. horizonal root-like stems) are fleshy, and leaves have parallel veination and can be submersed or emergent. Submersed leaves are linear and limp, unlike sword-like emergent leaves. Flowering rush blooms from June to August. Flowers are arranged in terminal umbels. Flower parts are found in multiples of three (e.g. six tepals, nine stamen, six carpels) with pink to purple tepals 0.25 – 0.5 in (6 - 11.5 mm) long (eFloras 2008). Each flower produces up to six beaked fruits.
    [Show full text]
  • GENOME EVOLUTION in MONOCOTS a Dissertation
    GENOME EVOLUTION IN MONOCOTS A Dissertation Presented to The Faculty of the Graduate School At the University of Missouri In Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy By Kate L. Hertweck Dr. J. Chris Pires, Dissertation Advisor JULY 2011 The undersigned, appointed by the dean of the Graduate School, have examined the dissertation entitled GENOME EVOLUTION IN MONOCOTS Presented by Kate L. Hertweck A candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy And hereby certify that, in their opinion, it is worthy of acceptance. Dr. J. Chris Pires Dr. Lori Eggert Dr. Candace Galen Dr. Rose‐Marie Muzika ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I am indebted to many people for their assistance during the course of my graduate education. I would not have derived such a keen understanding of the learning process without the tutelage of Dr. Sandi Abell. Members of the Pires lab provided prolific support in improving lab techniques, computational analysis, greenhouse maintenance, and writing support. Team Monocot, including Dr. Mike Kinney, Dr. Roxi Steele, and Erica Wheeler were particularly helpful, but other lab members working on Brassicaceae (Dr. Zhiyong Xiong, Dr. Maqsood Rehman, Pat Edger, Tatiana Arias, Dustin Mayfield) all provided vital support as well. I am also grateful for the support of a high school student, Cady Anderson, and an undergraduate, Tori Docktor, for their assistance in laboratory procedures. Many people, scientist and otherwise, helped with field collections: Dr. Travis Columbus, Hester Bell, Doug and Judy McGoon, Julie Ketner, Katy Klymus, and William Alexander. Many thanks to Barb Sonderman for taking care of my greenhouse collection of many odd plants brought back from the field.
    [Show full text]
  • Reconstructing the Basal Angiosperm Phylogeny: Evaluating Information Content of Mitochondrial Genes
    55 (4) • November 2006: 837–856 Qiu & al. • Basal angiosperm phylogeny Reconstructing the basal angiosperm phylogeny: evaluating information content of mitochondrial genes Yin-Long Qiu1, Libo Li, Tory A. Hendry, Ruiqi Li, David W. Taylor, Michael J. Issa, Alexander J. Ronen, Mona L. Vekaria & Adam M. White 1Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, The University Herbarium, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1048, U.S.A. [email protected] (author for correspondence). Three mitochondrial (atp1, matR, nad5), four chloroplast (atpB, matK, rbcL, rpoC2), and one nuclear (18S) genes from 162 seed plants, representing all major lineages of gymnosperms and angiosperms, were analyzed together in a supermatrix or in various partitions using likelihood and parsimony methods. The results show that Amborella + Nymphaeales together constitute the first diverging lineage of angiosperms, and that the topology of Amborella alone being sister to all other angiosperms likely represents a local long branch attrac- tion artifact. The monophyly of magnoliids, as well as sister relationships between Magnoliales and Laurales, and between Canellales and Piperales, are all strongly supported. The sister relationship to eudicots of Ceratophyllum is not strongly supported by this study; instead a placement of the genus with Chloranthaceae receives moderate support in the mitochondrial gene analyses. Relationships among magnoliids, monocots, and eudicots remain unresolved. Direct comparisons of analytic results from several data partitions with or without RNA editing sites show that in multigene analyses, RNA editing has no effect on well supported rela- tionships, but minor effect on weakly supported ones. Finally, comparisons of results from separate analyses of mitochondrial and chloroplast genes demonstrate that mitochondrial genes, with overall slower rates of sub- stitution than chloroplast genes, are informative phylogenetic markers, and are particularly suitable for resolv- ing deep relationships.
    [Show full text]
  • Columbia Basin Flowering Rush Management Plan
    COLUMBIA BASIN COOPERATIVE WEED MANAGEMENT AREA COLUMBIA BASIN FLOWERING RUSH MANAGEMENT PLAN A regional strategy to address Butomus umbellatus throughout the Columbia Basin www.columbiabasincwma.org Statement of Collaboration: When possible, the partners of the Columbia Basin Cooperative Weed Management Area will strive to communicate and work collaboratively to develop a unified management effort for flowering rush throughout the Columbia Basin. The completion of this document was supported by funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Suggested citation: Columbia Basin Cooperative Weed Management Area. 2019. Columbia Basin Flowering Rush Management Plan: A regional strategy to address Butomus umbellatus throughout the Columbia Basin. pp 67 www.columbiabasincwma.org Pg. 1 CONTENT Tables ....................................................................................................................................... 3 Figures ..................................................................................................................................... 3 Preface ..................................................................................................................................... 5 Executive Summary .................................................................................................................. 6 Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 7 Scope and Purpose ........................................................................................................................7
    [Show full text]
  • Ecology and Phenology of Flowering Rush in the Detroit Lakes Chain of Lakes, Minnesota
    J. Aquat. Plant Manage. 53: 54–63 Ecology and phenology of flowering rush in the Detroit Lakes chain of lakes, Minnesota MICHELLE D. MARKO, JOHN D. MADSEN, R. A. SMITH, B. SARTAIN, AND C. L. OLSON* ABSTRACT al. 1974, Boutwell 1990, Brown and Eckert 2005). Flowering rush can form monotypic stands that crowd out native Flowering rush, Butomus umbellatus L., has been an plants and interfere with recreational water use and water increasing problem in the Detroit Lakes chain of lakes for flow (Boutwell 1990, Jacobs et al. 2011). In the St. Lawrence more than 40 yr. Flowering rush dominates ecosystems by River region, it was found to be more invasive than purple crowding out native species, including hardstem bulrush, loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria L.; Lavoie 2003). The spread of Schoenoplectus acutus (Muhl. ex Bigelow) A & D Love,¨ a vital flowering rush in irrigation ditches has affected water flow part of native ecosystems. Furthermore, flowering rush and become a management concern for native fish species, creates boating hazards and hampers recreational activities such as cutthroat and bull trout (Jacobs et al. 2011). One on the lakes. The phenological differences between flower- region in Minnesota, the Pelican River Watershed, has been ing rush and the native hardstem bulrush were examined as struggling with flowering rush for over 40 yr as it has spread part of a project to determine best management practices through the Detroit Lakes chain of lakes since the 1960s (T. for controlling this invasive species. Biomass allocation, Guetter, Pelican River Watershed District, pers. comm.). plant height, carbohydrate allocation, and reproductive Since its introduction as an ornamental species in Lake structures of flowering rush were examined in the Detroit Sallie (Becker County, Minnesota), different methods of Lakes system.
    [Show full text]
  • Butomus Umbellatus L.) Management
    State of Michigan’s Status and Strategy for Flowering Rush (Butomus umbellatus L.) Management Scope Invasive flowering rush (Butomus umbellatus L., hereafter FR) has invaded the shores of Michigan waterways since the early 1900’s (Core 1941; Stuckey 1968; Anderson et al. 1974). This document was developed by Central Michigan University and reviewed by Michigan Departments of Environmental Quality and Natural Resources for the purposes of: • Summarizing the current level of understanding on the biology and ecology of FR. • Summarizing current management options for FR in Michigan. • Identifying possible future directions of FR management in Michigan. This document used the current information available in journals, publications, presentations, and experiences of leading researchers and managers to meet its goals. Any chemical, company, or organization that is mentioned was included for its involvement in published, presented, or publically shared information, not to imply endorsement of the chemical, company, or organization. Biology and Ecology I. Identification Flowering rush is an emergent aquatic perennial plant with linear, sword-like leaves, triangular in cross-section, and a showy umble of pink flowers (Figure 1). Rhizomes (i.e. horizonal root-like stems) are fleshy, and leaves have parallel veination and can be submersed or emergent. Submersed leaves are linear and limp, unlike sword-like emergent leaves. Flowering rush blooms from June to August. Flowers are arranged in terminal umbels. Flower parts are found in multiples of three (e.g. six tepals, nine stamen, six carpels) with pink to purple tepals 0.25 – 0.5 in (6 - 11.5 mm) long (eFloras 2008). Each flower produces up to six beaked fruits.
    [Show full text]
  • Flowering Rush
    IPANE - Catalog of Species Search Results http://www.lib.uconn.edu/webapps/ipane/browsing.cfm?descriptionid=16 Home | Early Detection | IPANE Species | Data & Maps | Volunteers | About the Project | Related Information Catalog of Species Search Results Butomus umbellatus (Flowering rush ) :: Catalog of Species Search Common Name(s) | Full Scientific Name | Family Name Common | Family Scientific Name | Images | Synonyms | Description | Similar Species | Reproductive/Dispersal Mechanisms | Distribution | History of Introduction in New England | Habitats in New England | Threats | Early Warning Notes | Management Links | Documentation Needs | Additional Information | References | Data Retrieval | Maps of New England Plant Distribution COMMON NAME Flowering rush FULL SCIENTIFIC NAME Butomus umbellatus L. FAMILY NAME COMMON Flowering rush family FAMILY SCIENTIFIC NAME Butomaceae IMAGES Flowers Habit Flowers Fruit Incursion Roots 1 of 5 9/24/2007 3:36 PM IPANE - Catalog of Species Search Results http://www.lib.uconn.edu/webapps/ipane/browsing.cfm?descriptionid=16 Habitat NOMENCLATURE/SYNONYMS Synonyms: Butomus umbellatus f. vallisneriifolius (Sagorski) Gluck DESCRIPTION Botanical Glossary Butomus umbellatus is a perennial, aquatic herb that grows from a fleshy rhizome on freshwater shorelines. It can be found in water several meters deep, and its flowering stem can reach up to 1 m (3.3 ft.) above the surface of the water. The 0.6-0.9 m (2-3 ft.) long ensiform leaves can be erect or floating on the water's surface. The leaves are three angled, fleshy and have twisted ends. The plants flower from the summer to the fall depending on the depth of the water. The flowers are arranged in a bracted umbel. The bracts are purple-tinged, and numerous flowers are on long, slender ascending pedicels.
    [Show full text]
  • Experimental Assessment of Butomus Umbellatus L
    Mississippi State University Scholars Junction Theses and Dissertations Theses and Dissertations 1-1-2014 Experimental Assessment of Butomus Umbellatus L. Growth and Expansion Using a Mesocosm Approach Christian Carter Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/td Recommended Citation Carter, Christian, "Experimental Assessment of Butomus Umbellatus L. Growth and Expansion Using a Mesocosm Approach" (2014). Theses and Dissertations. 2137. https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/td/2137 This Graduate Thesis - Open Access is brought to you for free and open access by the Theses and Dissertations at Scholars Junction. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Scholars Junction. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Automated Template C: Created by James Nail 2013V2.1 Experimental assessment of Butomus umbellatus L. growth and expansion using a mesocosm approach By Christian Carter A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of Mississippi State University in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Biological Sciences in the Department of Biological Sciences Mississippi State, Mississippi August 2014 Copyright by Christian Carter 2014 Experimental assessment of Butomus umbellatus L. growth and expansion using a mesocosm approach By Christian Carter Approved: ____________________________________ Gary N. Ervin (Major Professor/Graduate Coordinator) ____________________________________ Lisa Wallace (Committee Member) ____________________________________ John D. Madsen (Committee Member) ____________________________________ R. Gregory Dunaway Professor and Dean College of Arts and Sciences Name: Christian Carter Date of Degree: August 15, 2014 Institution: Mississippi State University Major Field: Biological Sciences Major Professor: Gary N. Ervin Title of Study: Experimental assessment of Butomus umbellatus L.
    [Show full text]
  • Management Experiments on Lake Erie Flowering Rush
    Bowling Green State University ScholarWorks@BGSU Honors Projects Honors College Spring 4-29-2013 Management Experiments on Lake Erie Flowering Rush Alyssa Dietz Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/honorsprojects Repository Citation Dietz, Alyssa, "Management Experiments on Lake Erie Flowering Rush" (2013). Honors Projects. 19. https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/honorsprojects/19 This work is brought to you for free and open access by the Honors College at ScholarWorks@BGSU. It has been accepted for inclusion in Honors Projects by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks@BGSU. 1 Management Experiments on Lake Erie Flowering Rush Alyssa Dietz HONORS PROJECT Submitted to the University Honors Program at Bowling Green State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for graduation with UNIVERSITY HONORS April 29 th , 2013 Advisors: Dr. Helen J. Michaels, Department of Biological Sciences Dr. Enrique Gomezdelcampo, Department of Environment and Sustainability 2 Summary: The issue of invasive species has been a major concern for many Great Lakes ecosystems over the past several decades. Since the first noted invasive animal, the sea lamprey, these fresh water ecosystems have been invaded by over 180 different plants and animals that create over $100 million worth of damage a year (Rosaen et al . 2012). Because the five Great Lakes, along with their rivers, streams, and wetlands are such an interconnected series, the introduction of any invasive species to one of the Great Lakes, such as Lake Erie, means that invaders are likely to spread to all other freshwater ecosystems in the area (Rosaen et al . 2012). With the various ways that many introduced species can alter the nutrient availability, habitat quality, and species richness, many wildlife managers are continuing to develop management strategies that remove or greatly limit the further spread of invasive species.
    [Show full text]
  • DRAFT: WRITTEN FINDINGS of the WASHINGTON STATE NOXIOUS WEED CONTROL BOARD Updated in 2020, Original Draft from 2008
    DRAFT: WRITTEN FINDINGS OF THE WASHINGTON STATE NOXIOUS WEED CONTROL BOARD Updated in 2020, original draft from 2008 Scientific Name: Butomus umbellatus L. Synonyms: Butomus junceus Turcz, Butomus umbellatus L. f. vallisneriifolius (Sagorski) Glnck Common Name: Flowering-rush (sometimes known as grass rush) Family: Butomaceae (Flowering-rush family) Legal Status: Class A noxious weed; Quarantine List (WAC 16-752) Images: left, flowering rush with emergent leaves growing along a shoreline; center, rhizome with leaf bases and developing bud; right, piece of flowering rush rhizome with leaves, all images by Greg Haubrich. Introduction: Flowering rush is an invasive aquatic perennial monocot that is able to exploit a wide range of aquatic habitats. It grows emergent along the shoreline of lakes and rivers out to water depths of 7 m (24 ft.) or more where it is fully submersed. It will grow in still water with muddy substrate to flowing water with rocky substrate and everything in between. It thrives in areas with fluctuating water levels, but also persists and spreads in stable water conditions (Hroudova ́ 1989, Hroudova ́ et al. 1996). It will invade and dominate native plant beds (Madsen et al. 2012, Harms 2020) and can also colonize habitats previously barren of plant growth (Parkinson et al. 2010). When growing submersed, the leaves are stiff relative to other submersed plants, and thus in flowing water they are present higher in the water column. It has been termed an ecosystem engineer for its ability to alter habitat by sediment accretion (Gunderson et al. 2016). These characteristics, along with the rapidly expanding population, have raised concern about potential impacts on habitat and water delivery if flowering rush becomes well established throughout its potential range in western North America.
    [Show full text]