 |
Canary Island broom (Genista linifolia)
has
invaded large areas around the town of Avalon. |
INVASIVE WEED MAPPING
Management Objective:
To decrease and eventually eliminate populations of selected invasive weed species
on the island.
Methods:
The overall goal is to compile and maintain a current and complete map of selected
invasive weed species, for the purposes of assessment and removal prioritization.
Existing invasive weed location data has been compiled and standardized. The
Data Dictionary used with our Trimble GeoExplorer units to record each weed population
with pertinent information has been developed and refined. Size and density classes
for weed populations have been developed and incorporated into the Data Dictionary,
and mapping protocols have been refined. A pilot program for volunteer weed mapping
has shown that this can be a useful tool for covering large areas. I would like
to extend much gratitude to Hans and Annerose Grellmann for this!
Two plants in particular have been targeted for mapping: fennel (Foeniculum
vulgare) and Canary Island broom (Genista linifolia). Fennel has been mapped
using a GPS unit in the field, while Canary Island broom has been mapped using
both this method, hand mapping on topographic maps, and use of low-level aerial
photographs shot in 2001 for this purpose. Photomonitoring of fennel populations
on the West End of the island was begun in 2000. Ongoing efforts to map other
invasive weed locations as they are seen continue. |
|
