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Prescribed Burn on Young Hill and Post-Burn Analysis of Methods to Control Non-Native Grasses
San Juan Island National Historical Park » Prescribed Burn on Young Hill and Post-Burn Analysis of Methods to Control Non-Native Grasses » Document List
San Juan Islands National Historical Park (SAJH), the Olympic Fire Management Team and the North Pacific/Columbia Basin Fire Ecology Program, are engaged in a proactive thinning and prescribed burn program at Young Hill, English Camp, to restore its remnant Garry oak woodland. As part of post-burn operations, herbicide will be used in selected areas - less than one acre total - to minimize regeneration of non-native species. The park has concluded that burning and thinning on Young Hill over the past decade has resulted in a reduction of native species composition and an increase of invasive species, specifically grasses.
Studies show that prescribed fire, when used without other treatments (e.g. herbicides and/or seeding) may exacerbate existing infestations. Using small quantities of selective herbicides after burning has been found to greatly assist in controlling non-native grass encroachment.
Non-native grasses are often aggressive and out-compete native grasses and wildflowers. They are less palatable to wildlife and diminish the quality of the Garry Oak habitat. The invasive grasses are particularly troublesome due to their early germination and prolific seed production that have enabled them to quickly re-colonize after prescribed fire treatments on Young Hill before native species can recover.
Fire ecologists will analyze how effective native grasses are able to out-perform non-native grasses in the areas treated with herbicides, versus those without. A secondary objective is to examine burning conditions for the Propertius duskywing butterfly, a sensitive species associated with Garry oak woodlands that have been found in the area. The final report will be posted to the park's website or mailed to any interested persons. In 2018, the park will begin work on updating its Fire Management Plan and the results of this year's research will inform alternatives developed for that plan.
This project falls under a Categorical Exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Studies show that prescribed fire, when used without other treatments (e.g. herbicides and/or seeding) may exacerbate existing infestations. Using small quantities of selective herbicides after burning has been found to greatly assist in controlling non-native grass encroachment.
Non-native grasses are often aggressive and out-compete native grasses and wildflowers. They are less palatable to wildlife and diminish the quality of the Garry Oak habitat. The invasive grasses are particularly troublesome due to their early germination and prolific seed production that have enabled them to quickly re-colonize after prescribed fire treatments on Young Hill before native species can recover.
Fire ecologists will analyze how effective native grasses are able to out-perform non-native grasses in the areas treated with herbicides, versus those without. A secondary objective is to examine burning conditions for the Propertius duskywing butterfly, a sensitive species associated with Garry oak woodlands that have been found in the area. The final report will be posted to the park's website or mailed to any interested persons. In 2018, the park will begin work on updating its Fire Management Plan and the results of this year's research will inform alternatives developed for that plan.
This project falls under a Categorical Exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).