Keeping the wolves at bay:
Techniques used to slow the spread of Microstegium and other small-seeded invasive plants
Chris Evans, River to River Cooperative Weed Management Area

Keeping the wolves at bay:
Techniques used to slow the spread of Microstegium and other small-seeded invasive plants

Japanese stiltgrass, like other small-seeded invasive plants, is aided in dispersal by human activities. Seeds can get transported on shoes, tires, clothing, animals, mud, and equipment. Hikers, hunters, birdwatchers, foresters, loggers, horse riders, mountain bikers, ATV riders, road crews, and ROW workers, as well as many other groups, all have the potential to spread stiltgrass and other speices. Unintentional introductions of invasive plants can lead to the rapid range expansion. Simple practices, such as equipment cleaning and brushing hiking shoes, can greatly reduce the likelihood of long-distance dispersal and slow gradual range expansion. This presentation will review practices currently being implemented to prevent seed transport as well as discuss the costs, time needed, and efficacy of each practice.