Assessing the Vulnerability of Western Alaska Ecosystems and Subsistence Resources to Non-Native Plant Invasion

To assess the vulnerability of a region to invasive plants, documentation of the presence or absence of invasive plants is necessary. This project expands on work initiated by the EPA to identify invasive plants in rural communities in the Bristol Bay region. Eighteen additional Bristol Bay communities were inventoried for invasive plants in 2012-2014.  This work provides a baseline for understanding the potential impact from these plants and the opportunity to treat the existing populations before they invade new areas. 

​​Project ID: WA2011_11​

Lead Investigator: Brian Maupin, Alaska Association of Conservation Districts

Collaborators: Jennifer Robinette, Ekuk Tribal Council; Katie Spellman, Christa Mulder & Nicole Swensen, University of Alaska Fairbanks (IAB); Sue Flensburg & Mariano Peters, Bristol Bay Native Association; Stella Mark, Twin Hills Village Council; Della Takak, Chignik Lake IGAP; Louise Tallekpalek, Levelock IGAP; Tina Tinkler, Aleknagik Tradional Council; Tara Balluta, Nondalton Village Council

​Project Duration: 2011 - 2014

​Although 20 invasive plant species were documented, only one of these, the Rugosa Rose is considered "highly invasive".  These plants were documented in Chignik Lagoon. In addition to documenting the presence of invasive plants, community members were asked about their observations and concerns about vegetation changes near their communities.  The most frequently identified concern was linked to increased shrubs, particularly alder, and the potential changes to berry harvest areas.

Products

Invasive Plants in Bristol Bay Communities.pdf
File Size:	394 kb
File Type:	pdf

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Related Resources

Alaska Exotic Plants Information Clearinghouse (AKEPIC)accs.uaa.alaska.edu/