2005 "Volunteers Working With Invasives"
Grants Report Form
Display Report
PROJECT BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Project Title:
Early invasive detection and rapid response by Refuge Weed Warriors
Region:
1
Station:
Nisqually NWR Complex
Contact Person:
Name and Phone Number
Jean Takekawa, 360-753-9467
Project Description:
(Up to 250 words)
Nisqually NWR initiated a Refuge Weed Warrior program in 2003 to aid the Refuge in controlling non-native invasive plant species. Volunteers are trained to identify, record, and manually control key infestations of invasives. In 2005, we expanded the Weed Warrior program by adding two subgroups to the program: Weed Spotters and Weed Mappers. Weed Spotters were assigned specific locations to repeatedly monitor throughout the growing season for both new and recurring infestations. Weed Mappers were trained to use a Trimble GeoXT GPS unit to collect spatial data for known invasive occurrences and treatments, and surveyed previously unassessed areas of the Refuge. By implementing these new aspects of the program we were able to detect infestations earlier than in the past, record accurate locations, detailed descriptions, and respond more rapidly with follow-up treatments and monitoring. Treatments included manual methods performed by weed warriors, as well as mechanical and chemical methods employed by staff and Washington Conservation Corps.
List of Invasives Species Targeted:
Common Name
Scientific Name
Reed Canarygrass
Phalaris arundinacea
Himalayan Blackberry
Rubus discolor
Canada Thistle
Cirsium arvense
Bull Thistle
Cirsium vulgare
Common Teasel
Dipsacus fullonum
Common Burdock
Arctium minus
Poison Hemlock
Conium maculatum
Tansy Ragwort
Senecio jacobaea
Purple Loosestrife
Lythrum salicaria
Project Status:
Completed
Project Completion Date
or Estimated Completion Date:
(mm/dd/yyyy)
09/30/2005
VOLUNTEER INFORMATION
Volunteer Affiliation:
(Check all that apply)
VA_FriendsGrp VA_AmeriCorps VA_Other
Volunteer Involvement:
Describe the type of work the volunteers performed. (Up to 150 words)
Volunteers attended the Weed Aware Training Workshop as well as a separate training on how to use WIMS and the Trimble GeoXT for mapping invasives. In addition, an intern from Western Washington University created a new spatial database to be used with a Trimble GeoXT for mapping occurrences, assessments, and treatments of invasives on the Refuge. The intern then systematically surveyed previously unassessed areas on foot for invasives. Refuge Weed Warriors and Washington Conservation Corps members responded to the early detections by manual or mechanical treatments. The intern and volunteers entered data into GIS, and produced maps displaying where invasive species were found and treated.
Total Number of Volunteers:
32
Total Number of Volunteer Hours:
900
Partnerships:
List both new and existing partnerships utilized in this project. (Up to 150 words).
Existing partnerships with the following groups, organizations, and agencies were continued as part of this project: Friends of Nisqually NWR, Washington Conservation Corps, Washington State Weed Board, and Thurston County Noxious Weed Control Board. Partnerships with the following entities were expanded by this project: Washington State Department of Transportation, Nisqually Indian Tribe Department of Natural Resources, Student Conservation Association, and Western Washington University.
PROJECT RESULTS
Project Results:
Give an overview of the results of the project. Include quantifiable measure of success, such as maps produced, efficacy of control measures, number of sites where invasions were detected early and responded to, number of community contacts, etc. (Up to 250 words).
Thirty volunteers attended the 10-hr Weed Aware Training Workshop in early April, where presentations were given by Refuge staff, Washington State Weed Board, Thurston County Noxious Weed Control Board, Washington State Department of Transportation, Nisqually Indian Tribe Department of Natural Resources, and a former Student Conservation Association employee. Twelve volunteers were trained to use WIMS and the Trimble GeoXT for mapping invasives. Seventeen volunteers became Weed Spotters and kept watch over 12 distinct known problem areas for invasives. In addition, an intern from Western Washington University created a new spatial database to be used with a Trimble GeoXT for mapping occurrences, assessments, and treatments of invasives on the Refuge. The intern then systematically surveyed 134 acres on foot for 25 non-native species. Refuge Weed Warriors and Washington Conservation Corps covered an additional 216 acres, locating new infestations or monitoring known infestations. Refuge Weed Warriors and Washington Conservation Corps members treated invasives on 136 acres. The intern and volunteers entered data into GIS, and produced 6 individual maps displaying where invasive species were found and treated.
Number of Acres Treated:
144
Number of Acres Inventoried and/or Mapped:
350
Number of Acres Restored:
0.5
BUDGET INFORMATION
Budget:
Account for funds in broad categories such as equipment, volunteer stipends, travel, coordinator salary/contract, etc.
Total Grant Amount:
$
$2,500.00
Breakdown of Expenditures:
Category
Total $ Spent
% of Total Grant
Equipment / Supplies
$1,720.00
69
Chemical
$780.00
31
Biocontrol Agents
Travel
Volunteer Stipends
Volunteer Coordinator Salary/Contract
Restoration Materials
Other
TOTAL
Recommendations:
(OPTIONAL)
How useful was this program for meeting refuge invasive species objectives and how can it be improved?
In order for a program such as ours to run efficiently and smoothly, it is recommended that one staff member and/or a paid intern is dedicated to or has significant time available for the coordination and training of volunteers for survey, monitor, and treatment efforts. Without one individual to oversee the program, coordination amongst individuals and various groups of volunteers can quickly degrade. In addition, assistance from the Regional Office or other FWS employees who are familiar with WIMS is needed to get WIMS set up at the station and to train staff and volunteers to use the system.
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