LONG-TERM STRATEGY FOR RUSSIAN OLIVE AND SALTCEDAR MANAGEMENT YELLOWSTONE RIVER CONSERVATION DISTRICT COUNCIL Prepared by Thomas L. Pick, Bozeman, Montana May 1, 2013 Cover photo credit: Tom Pick. Left side: Plains cottonwood seedlings on bar following 2011 runoff. Top: Saltcedar and Russian olive infest the shoreline of the Yellowstone River between Hysham and Forsyth, Montana. Bottom: A healthy narrowleaf cottonwood (Populus angustifolia James) stand adjacent to the channel provides benefits for wildlife and livestock in addition to bank stability and storing floodwater for later release. Table of Contents page number Agreement ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….1 Executive Summary …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….2 Long-Term Strategy for Russian Olive and Saltcedar Management 1.0 Introduction ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………4 1.1 Biology and Ecology of Russian Olive and Saltcedar ……………………………………………………5 1.12 Russian Olive 1.13 Saltcedar 1.2 Distribution and Spread……………………………………………………………………………………………..6 1.3 Summary of Impacts ………………………………………………………………………………………………….6 1.4 Legal Framework ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….7 2.0 Strategic Management Objective and Goals ………………………………………………………………..…..8 2.1 Goal 1: Prevent New Infestations (Control Spread) …………………………………….……….……8 2.2 Goal 2: Eradicate All Infestations Within the River Corridor ………………………………………9 2.3 Goal 3: Manage Populations Outside of the River Corridor ……………………………………….9 3.0 Treatment Strategies and Priorities …………………………………….……………………………………………9 3.1 Priority 1 - Uninfested Sites and Headwaters Areas ………………………………………………..10 3.2 Priority 2 – Riparian/Floodplain Sites with Light Infestation ……………………………………10 3.3 Priority 3 – Areas of Special Concern ………………………………………………………………………10 3.4 Priority 4 - Densely Infested Sites ……………………………………………………………………………11 3.5 Priority 5 – Uplands and Tributaries Adjacent to the River Corridor ……………………….11 4.0 Management Techniques and Costs ………………………………………………………………………………11 4.1 Lightly Infested Areas and Areas of Special Concern ……………………………………………….11 4.11 Manual (Hand Tool) Removal ………………………………………………………………………….12 4.12 Selective Mechanical Grubbing ……………………………………………………………………….12 4.13 Low Volume Basal Bark Herbicide Application ………………………………………………..12 4.14 Cut Stump Herbicide Application ……………………………………………………………………12 4.15 Foliar Herbicide Application ……………………………………………………………………………12 4.2 Densely Infested Sites ……………………………………………………………………………………………………13 4.21 Mechanical Removal ………………………………………………………………………………………13 4.22 Aerial Herbicide Application ……………………………………………………………………………13 4.23 Combination of Control Methods ……………………………..……………………………………13 4.24 Site Restoration Best Management Practices (BMPs) …………………………………….14 5.0 Inventory Needs and Methods ………………………………………………………………………………………16 5.1 Remote Sensing Interpretation ……………………………………………………………………………….16 5.2 Predictive Models for Potential Expansion of Distribution ……………….…………………….17 5.3 Invasive Species Mapping Efforts ………………………………………………..………………………….17 6.0 Public Education and Communication Activities …………………………………………………………..18 6.1 Public Meetings and Outreach ………………………………………………………………………………..18 6.2 Russian Olive Video …………………………………………………………………………………………………18 6.3 Demonstration Projects ………………………..………………………………………………………………..18 6.4 Field Days and Tours ……………………………………………………………………………………………….18 6.5 School Outreach Activities ………………………………………………………………………………………18 6.6 Academic and Technology Research Needs …………………………………………………………….19 6.61 Agricultural Research Service- Fort Keogh and Sidney Exp. Stations ………………..19 6.62 Bridger Plant Materials Center …………………………………………………………………………19 7.0 Monitoring Objectives and Techniques ………………………………………………………………………..19 7.1 Photo Point ………………………………………………………………………..…………………………………..20 7.2 Observation ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………20 7.3 Plot …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………20 7.4 Transect ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….20 7.5 Qualitative ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………21 8.0 Collaborative Efforts ……………………………..………………………………………………………………………21 8.1 Soil and Water Conservation Districts …………………..…………………………………………………21 8.2 Missouri River Watershed Coalition ………………………………………………………………………..21 8.3 Center for Invasive Species Management ……………………………………………………………….22 8.4 Montana and North Dakota Noxious Weed Program …………………..…………………………22 8.5 County Weed Control Districts ………………………………………………………………………………..23 8.6 Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks ……………………………………………………………………………….23 8.7 USDA – Natural Resources Conservation Service …………………………………………………..23 8.8 Montana State University Ag Extension Program …………………………………………………….24 8.9 Zero Spread Noxious Weed Awareness Campaign …………………………………………………..24 9.0 Additional Sources of Information ………………………………………………………………………………..24 10.0 References ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….26 11.0 Appendices ……………………………………………………………………………………….……………………..…29 Appendix A. Invasive Species Reference Guide-Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia L. )… 30 Appendix B. Invasive Species Reference Guide – Saltcedar (Tamarix spp.) ……………….…….. 32 Appendix C. NRCS 2008 Russian Olive Distribution Map ……………………………………….…………..34 Appendix D. Approximate Yellowstone Saltcedar Distribution Map ……………………………..….35 Appendix E. Montana Noxious Weed List……………………………………………………………………………36 Appendix F. North Dakota Noxious Weed List …………………………………………………………………..37 Appendix G. Herbicide Manufacturer Product Guides …………………………..…………………………..38 Appendix H. Suggested Invasive Species Control Monitoring Record …………………………………39 Agreement The Yellowstone River Conservation District Council (YRCDC) adopts this long-term plan and the goals and objectives identified herein as their guide to Russian olive and saltcedar management efforts. Using an adaptive approach, the plan will be revised as technology and objectives change over time. Endorsement of this plan by any partners or agencies named within this plan in no way limits any partners’ or agencies existing legal authority, mandate, or responsibility and is subject to available funds and human resources. ____________________________________ ____________________ Chairperson, YRCDC Board of Directors Date ____________________________________ ____________________ Chairperson Resource Advisory Council (RAC) Date 1 Executive Summary The Yellowstone River Conservation District Council (YRCDC) was organized in 1999 to study a broad range of issues associated with the sustainability of the Yellowstone River system in Montana and North Dakota. The riparian studies conducted as part of the effort indicated that Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia L.) and saltcedar (Tamarix ramosissima and T. chinensis and their hybrids) invasion comprise serious threats to the integrity and function of riparian and floodplain areas along the Yellowstone River. Both of these invasive species have characteristics that promote spread far beyond their current distribution and create numerous negative impacts on river function, native plant and wildlife species population dynamics, wildlife habitat, and water quality and quantity. The YRCDC adopted Best Management Practice #1, Managing Russian Olive in the Yellowstone River Valley, in 2007 to address this issue. This document serves as a strategic plan to carry out a coordinated and comprehensive management effort throughout the length of the Yellowstone River in Montana and North Dakota. Russian olive is classified as a Priority 3 “regulated plant” in Montana, while it is not classified at all in North Dakota. Saltcedar is classified as a Priority 2B Noxious weed in both states. The YRCDC’s management objectives will be based on the following goals: Goal 1 – Prevent New Infestations. Goal 2 – Eradication of All Infestations within the River Corridor. Goal 3 – Manage Populations Outside of the River Corridor. To achieve these goals, YRCDC will utilize the following strategies and priorities in treatment: Prevention is the most effective and efficient strategy. Uninfested sites and headwaters areas will have top priority for treatment and maintenance. Riparian and floodplain areas with light infestations will have second priority to prevent expansion and reinfestation following treatment. Areas of special concern will be identified and treatment plans developed to protect their inherent values and features. Densely infested areas will be treated to remove monotypic stands and meet landowner objectives using appropriate restoration techniques and practices. Uplands and tributaries adjacent to the river corridor will be identified and treated to remove Russian olive and saltcedar populations that threaten reinfestation of the Yellowstone River corridor. Alternatives to existing upland plantings of Russian olive seed sources will be promoted while control of all saltcedar populations will be sought. Recommended management techniques are dependent owner objective, density of infestation, and site conditions. An array of proven management techniques are available and are described in the plan for utilization in carrying out this strategy. Early detection and management of Russian olive and saltcedar free areas is the preferred and most cost effective strategy, where possible. References for specific herbicide products and treatment rates are provided. An adaptive, integrated pest management approach is 2 recommended. Some sites will require a combination of mechanical and herbicide treatment for full success. Heavy infestations will likely require restoration