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EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE INVASIVE NON-NATIVE PLANT CONTROL PROGRAM WAR ON EXOTICS (WOE) Dennis Teague Endangered Species Biologist Invasive Non-Native Species Program Manager MILITARY TEST AND TRAINING Air Force, Army, Navy and Marines ground – weapon – aircraft - ammunition EGLIN AFB LOCATION in the PANHANDLE N FLORIDA W E S EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE 10 0 10 20 30 40 Miles Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Recreation (250,000 acres) • Activities include, camping, hunting, fishing, canoeing, hiking, horse back riding, biking and more. • Wide variety of activities and people utilize Eglin AFB reservation. (no ATVs or off road motorcycling) Canoeing Fishing Biking Deer Hunting More Recreation Swimming Camping Hiking (FLORIDA TRAIL) Hunting Turkey Conservation Significance of Eglin’s Ecosystem • Home to 11 federal and 95 state listed, rare, or local endemic species • 4th largest Red-cockaded Woodpecker population • 95% of the Okaloosa Darter’s range • 5th largest population of black bears in the state • Eglin provides the majority of habitat for 4 rare plant species • Largest population of Flatwood Salamanders west of the Apalachicola River (3 breeding populations) • Only population in NW Florida of the endangered lichen Cladonia perforata • Majority of the nation’s remaining old-growth long leaf pine Eglin Invasive Non-Native Plant Control Program Invasive Non-Native Plant Species: • Second only to development in loss of natural habitat. • Displace native species, disrupt ecosystems and critical T&E Habitat • Reduce the value and quality of agricultural, private, and military training lands Fewer Exotics = Healthier Lands PROGRAM GOAL Prevent the introduction/spread of INS using an IPM approach including herbicide application, mechanical control, hand pulling, prescribed fire, and public education Early detection/rapid response to locate and control INS • Survey high quality natural areas / problem areas (1500 acres) • Prepare areas (maps/GPS) and conduct initial treatments • Follow up with retreatments – maintenance control •Manage areas with RX fire or mechanical methods •Attempt to prevent reestablishment or reintroduction Promote interagency/local government cooperation • FWC Upland Plant Management Program and Florida Panhandle Invasive Plant Working Group • Six Rivers Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area • Gulf Coastal Plain Ecosystem Partnership • Florida’s Exotic Pest Plant Council (21 Category I / 8 Category II) Maintain data base for info management/sharing • Used to track historical records , treatment, and location info Promote education and public awareness about INS • Newspaper articles • Presentations • Providing brochures and other info in our Natural Resources lobby Highest Prioritized Threats Japanese Climbing Fern Chinese Tallow Torpedo Grass Cogon Grass Wide Range of Habitats /Dispersal Mechanisms Barrier Island Sand Dune CHINESE TALLOW Flatwood Swamp CHINESE TALLOW Application Equipment • 100 Gallon Truck Mounted Sprayer (HP) – Foliar Sprays – Large Areas – Roadsides/ROWs • 2 ½ gallon hand held / 3 gallon backpack (LP) sprayers – Basal bark/Cut stump/Foliar – Maintenance Treatment Methods • Selective Applications – Target specific • Cut stump, Girdle • Basal bark • Foliar/with spot treatments Cut Stump Urban Interface Plantation More Treatments CLIMBING FERN COGON GRASS TALLOW TREES Herbicides Used • Woody trees and shrubs - triclopyr (ester) w/ basal oil for upland sites - triclopyr (salt) for wetland sites & (homeowner grade/lower % ) • Grasses/vines – glyphosate, imazapyr/water for (foliar applications) • Remember: The Label Is The Law, always follow label directions (PPE, rates, application tech.) • First check with your local USDA or county extension office for advice on herbicides Non-Herbicide Controls • Hand Pull – Labor Intensive • Mechanical – Mow / Cut / Till • Prescribed Fire Cogon Grass Stand BEFORE AFTER Chinese Tallow Stand BEFORE DURING AFTER Questions ????