11 March 1999

Minutes

Location: The Nature Conservancy, Middletown, Connecticut

Topic: Invasive Plant Species

I.

Milan Bull discussed the use of invasive species by State listed avian species. Slides of herons, egrets and ibis were shown nesting on off shore islands located in Long Island Sound. These birds use black locust, multiflora rose, Asiatic bittersweet and honeysuckle as nest sites/nest materials. Miley identified that we need to proceed with caution before we, with good intentions, initiate invasive plant species eradication projects. Eradication project plans need to address potential impacts to the state listed wildlife species that use the area. We need to know what other species use the area. If we want to remove invasive species from off shore islands (or elsewhere) it may be necessary to do it in phases. We need to select and obtain suitable native species. Les Mehrhoff noted that many non-native invasive species are good wildlife food sources: bluebirds, wintering robins, and mockingbirds - Japanese barberry, multiflora rose.

Elizabeth Farnsworth noted the Federally Endangered Willow flycather nests in the non-native invasive Tamarisk. Jack Barclay referred to grouse, turkey and pheasant (introduced species) and their use of Japanese barberry. Dick Goodwin added that Asiatic bittersweet is another important food source. Jack Barclay believes that Viburnum sp. and Vitus sp. were used as a food source prior to the introduction of barberry. If something (i.e. pathogen) were to wipe out multiflora rose or Japanese barberry quickly, it could create a serious problem for these game birds. He also noted that mockingbird range extensions have been linked to the spread of Japanese barberry. The need for site management plans was emphasized. Sites need to be prioritized by where species that need protection occur. Another priority would be in areas of significant habitats.

II.

Ken Metzler summarized the highlights of the DEP Invasive Plant Species Policy (copy attached). A list of invasive plant species is an important part of the policy. The policy is for DEP operations and actions, but will be leveraged through DEP permitting and other DEP actions. DOT has agreed to work cooperatively with DEP on this matter as it relates to their projects. Implementation will be limited by DEP staff availability. [Ken Metzler, DEP-EGIC drafted the policy statement DEP Invasive Plant Species Policy] Peter Picone, DEP-Wildlife Division has produced “Connecticut Native Shrubs” and “Connecticut Native Trees”; these publications recommend native species for planting to replace nonnative species. The DEP State Nursery has stopped planting most of the invasive species they have grown historically. Barberry is still grown because of its merit as a wildlife food source. The CT Geological and Natural History Survey is working with Les Mehrhoff, UCONN on publishing an identification guide to the State’s Invasive Plant Species. This much needed publication will also include information on the distribution and history on each of the species? Ken Metzler indicated that DEP would work with Les Mehrhoff on finalizing the State list. He also referenced The Nature Conservancy’s Invasive Species Fact Sheets (http://www.tnc.org; then click on domestic, CT, Science and Stewardship) and the State of Vermont’s Aquatic Invasive Species Fact Sheets and the recent Massachusetts publication. Bill Brumbach, New England Wildflower Society/NEPCoP brought up the supply and demand issue of native species seed and plant availability. Obtaining native seeds/plants could be a problem for large projects. A DEP Committee has been set up to identify and discuss invasive species issues. David Skelley, Yale University asked if there is a State policy on invasive animals. Steve Fish, DEP-EGIC indicated that the DEP Committee has talked about it, especially with the zebra mussel now know in CT. No formal policy on animals exists at this time. Certain fish species are restricted from being introduced.

III.

Les Mehrhoff presented a set of criteria for determining if a plant species should be considered a nonnative invasive species. Les informed the group that there were many different sets of criteria in use. He attempted to reduce the subjectivity when developing his criteria. The group provided feedback on the categories, the choice of terms and the criteria itself. Lively and very constructive discussion ensued. Comments on the criteria resulted in a simplification of the key to identifying the invasive species category. Les explained that the publication would the following information for each species: Plant Family, Native Range, CT Distribution, History, Species Habitat and Ecology.

IV.

Elizabeth Farnsworth presented a summary of the Invasive Species Conference that was held at Yale University. Over 300 researchers, professionals and students attended the conference. The focus of this conference was ecological studies and management strategies for invasive plants and animals. Abstracts of talks and poster sessions are accessible through the web (http://www.yale.edu/forestry/special/invasive.html). This website will be updated on a regular basis.

The next Connecticut BioDiversity Forum Meeting will be in September/October. The topic will be “Inventory Needs for Southeastern Connecticut”. More details rearding the date and time will follow.

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