Viaduct Flats Restoration and Invasive Species Management

Abstract

This paper examines restoration and invasive species management strategies used in eradicating and controlling invasive species within Viaduct Flats. The report focuses on strategies for controlling and eliminating reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) and explores techniques used to control other invasive species, including Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) and Himalayan Blackberry (Rubus discolor). The site #1 restoration project will employ restoration ecology techniques to create a canopy layer, limit reed canarygrass growth and eventually eradicate reed canarygrass in the area. At site #2, a management project has been carried out, targeting invasive species encroaching on prior restoration seedlings. Research at this site suggests that eradicating reed canarygrass is close to unfeasible and that functions-based performance measures and standards need to be adopted to assess site success, rather than relying on reed canarygrass performance measures and standards (Reed canarygrass guidance, 2008). Key recommendations for the Viaduct Flats invasive species management plan are enhancing on-site monitoring and creating proactive control strategies. Projects focused on controlling and managing aggressive invasive species need to be designed and constructed to incorporate and develop strategies for changing ecosystems over time.