Projects

What is an invasive plant? Invasive plants are non-native species that spread rapidly and have negative impacts on fish, wildlife, agriculture or human health. Reed canary grass is of special concern on the Kenai Peninsula because of its ability to choke off salmon spawning streams. In years past, the Kenai SWCD has partnered with the Homer SWCD and Kenai Watershed Forum to map the extent of this problem. The Kenai SWCD provides Pest Management Plans to cooperators and other willing land owners upon request. These plans provide specific guidance for controlling invasive plants using the least toxic, most effective means possible.

Engaging the public is essential to stopping invasives. In addition to working one-on-one with individual property owners, the District collaborates with member organizations of the Cooperative Weed Management Area to raise public awareness of invasive plants. Outreach events in 2011 included classroom presentations, booths at the Kenai River Festival and the Kenai Peninsula State Fair, as well as the peninsula’s first Weed Smackdown, an event that targeted Common Tansy on the Kenai Soccer Fields. Common Tansy can cause moose to abort their calves, and its rapid spread can cause major headaches for hay farmers.

Also in 2011, the Kenai SWCD initiated a sprayer trial to eradicate Orange Hawkweed, a favorite flower of unwary gardeners and wildflower enthusiasts. Also known as Devil’s Paintbrush, this invasive moves into meadows and wetlands where it spreads aggressively, forming dense mats that crowd out native plants and reduce forage value for grazing.

Special events in 2012 include the CWMA Conference in May and the second annual Weed Smackdown in June. (See Calendar for more information)

To learn more about invasive plants of concern in Alaska, click here.