ARS | Publication request: Multi-trophic effects of Russian olive removal and restoration: getting information from weed eradication

Submitted to: Society for Range Management Meeting Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: January 29, 2012
Publication Date: January 29, 2012
Citation: Espeland, E.K., Petersen, M.K., Muscha, J.M. 2012. Multi-trophic effects of Russian olive removal and restoration: getting information from weed eradication. Society for Range Management Meeting Abstracts. Paper No. 0263.

Technical Abstract: Russian olive trees (Elaeagnus angustifolium) have spread throughout North America in riparian woodlands threatening native species like cottonwood and willow trees. We have developed a multiagency partnership with the goal of determining the responses to Russian olive removal and deliberate revegetation on extent of secondary invasions, forage production (quantity and quality), soil traits and recovery of insect and bird populations at Ft. Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory in Miles City, MT. Novel aspects of this investigation are to track recovery over time on multiple trophic levels (soils, insects, birds, plants), having multiple controls (no revegetation and no removal), and testing complete eradication of Russian olive against partial removal (a treatment where the riparian area is altered less). The partial removal treatment may permit more stable bird communities to persist through the period where restoration trees and shrubs are becoming established. In addition, we are conducting an economic analysis of removal and revegetation treatments. This is a report on the start of a multi-year collaboration. Tree removal in spring of 2011 by cut/stump treated with Element 4 (triclopyr) herbicide mixed with Basal Bark Oil in a 1:3 ratio (1 part Element to 3 parts bark oil) resulted in very few resprouts: 25,000 trees were removed and only 30 resprouts were recorded. Restoration will take place in 2012.