Invasive Species Monitoring

Aquatic and Riparian Effectiveness Monitoring Program (AREMP)

Peter Gruendike

AREMP Overview• Assess watershed

condition status and trend in 6th field watersheds

• Monitor the effectiveness of the Northwest Forest Plan’s Aquatic Conservation Strategy in maintaining and restoring watershed condition

Study Design

• 250 randomly selected watersheds

• Minimum of 25% federal ownership

Study Design

• 250 randomly selected watersheds

• Minimum of 25% federal ownership

Field Data CollectionChannel morphology• Bankfull width, depth,

sinuosity, gradient

Habitat characteristics

• Wood and pool frequency, residual pool depth, substrate size

Biological characteristics

• Amphibians, benthic invertebrates

Invasive Species Monitoring

• Invasive species identified as a critical threat to National Forests

• Opportunity for spatial distribution information and possible early detection

Species of ConcernExperts from Oregon State Univ and Portland State Univ helped choose 23 species of primary concern.

Based on three criteria:

1. Invades stream or riparian habitats; and

2. On the Oregon Invasive Species Councils 100 most dangerous list or

3. Has a large management program which could benefit from additional spatial distribution knowledge

Type Common name Genus species

Aquatic animals

New Zealand mudsnails Potamopyrgus antipodarum

Zebra mussels Dreissena polymorpha

Quagga mussels Dreissena rostriformis bugensis

Rusty Crayfish Orconectes rusticus

Red Swamp Crayfish Procambarus clarkia

Ringed Crayfish Orconectes neglectus

Northern Crayfish Oronectes virilis

Aquatic plants

Yellow Flag Iris Iris pseudacorus

Hydrilla Hydrilla verticillata

Parrot Feather Watermilfoil Myriophyllum aquaticum

Eurasian Watermilfoil Myriophyllum spicatum

Giant Reed Arundo donax

Brazilian Elodea Ergeria densa

Didymo Didymosphenia geminata

Terrestrial animals Feral Swine Sus Scrofa

Terrestrial plants

Japanese Knotweed Fallopia japonica

Cultivated Knotweed Polygonum polystachyum

Giant Knotweed Polygonum sachalinese

Old Man’s beard Clematis vitalba

Garlic Mustard Alliaria petiolata

Giant Hogweed Heracleum mantegazzianum

Himalayan blackberry Rubus discolor

English Ivy Hedera helix

Protocol Development

• Opportunistic surveys were implemented during 2007 field season

• Adopted standardized survey protocols for 2008 field season

Aquatic Methods• Plants - Each stream reach is

surveyed for invasive aquatic plants

• Animals - Benthic macroinvertebrate samples are used to detect presence of invasive snails, mussels, and crayfish.

Terrestrial Methods

• Plants- Six time constrained searches are performed in the riparian area

• Animals- During large wood surveys, the site is examined for the presence of feral swine (digouts, feces, tracks)

Documentation

• Field crews collect spatial information, photographs, and specimens

• Photographs and specimens are verified by experts

Results

• In 2008, AREMP field crews surveyed 167 sites in 31 unique watersheds

• Himalayan blackberry was found at 16 sites in 7 watersheds

• Reed Canary Grass found at 2 sites in 1 watershed

Challenges

• Commonly misidentified species - Garlic mustard and Giant Hogweed

• Funding is uncertain

• Data sharing among agencies

The Future

• Continue to improve training and ID materials

• $$$- ~$7,000/year

• Standardize reporting pathways and data sharing

Decontamination

• Field crews are potential vectors in the spread of invasive species

• AREMP is committed to good environmental stewardship

Decontamination - Field Gear

• Gear types - waders, boots, nets, sieves, gloves, brushes

• Method - Scrub at stream, boil at camp

• Done prior to entering a new 6th field watershed

Decontamination - Vehicles

• Gear types - Vehicles

• Method - High pressure car wash

• Done prior to entering a new 6th field watershed

Questions?

Want to know more about AREMP?

Steve Lanigan, Team Leader 503.808.2261 slanigan@fs.fed.us

Heidi Andersen, Field Coord 541.750.7067 hvandersen@fs.fed.us

visit our website at:http://www.reo.gov/monitoring/watershed-overview.shtml

Acknowledgements• Tania Siemens & Sam Chan: Oregon State

University Sea Grant College Program and Extension

• Robyn Draheim: Portland State University’s Center for Lakes and Reservoirs

• Jeff Uebel: US Forest Service

• The 2007 and 2008 field crews who tested, questioned, and provided feedback on AREMP’s Invasive Species Program.

• Funding provided by: