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• 1. [Article] Recommendations for Control of Tall Oatgrass, Poison Oak, and Rose in Willamette Valley Upland Prairies

  Native upland prairies, which once dominated the landscape of the Willamette Valley, are considered among the rarest of Oregon's ecosystems. Even though only remnants remain today, they harbor many rare ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Recommendations for Control of Tall Oatgrass, Poison Oak, and Rose in Willamette Valley Upland Prairies Author: Wilson, Mark V., Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950- Native upland prairies, which once dominated the landscape of the Willamette Valley, are considered among the rarest of Oregon's ecosystems. Even though only remnants remain today, they harbor many rare and endangered species such as the Fender's blue butterfly and its host plant, Kincaid’s lupine. Invasion of remnant prairies by woody plants and weedy non-native herbaceous species is of great concern to agencies and managers responsible for conserving these native ecosystems. Available methods for the control of these pests include herbicides, biological control, prescribed burning, and mowing. This report first reviews the literature on the control of tall oatgrass and the shrubs poison oak and rose. Each of these species is an important threat to Willamette Valley upland prairies. We then presents recommendations. For control of tall oatgrass, we recommend for most situations mowing in late spring or early summer. Mowing height should be just above most of the foliage of native plants to be protected (typically 10 cm - 15 cm). In areas with Kincaid’s lupine and Fender’s blue butterfly, mowing should be delayed until July, after the flowering and flight seasons. For control of prairie shrubs, we recommend further studies to evaluate herbicide effectiveness against the target shrubs and safety for non-target native plants and animals. If herbicide use is unavailable, we recommend burning or mowing. All burning or mowing treatments should be repeated, perhaps indefinitely, to maintain pest plant control. Title: Recommendations for Control of Tall Oatgrass, Poison Oak, and Rose in Willamette Valley Upland Prairies Author: Wilson, Mark V., Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950- Native upland prairies, which once dominated the landscape of the Willamette Valley, are considered among the rarest of Oregon's ecosystems. Even though only remnants remain today, they harbor many rare and endangered species such as the Fender's blue butterfly and its host plant, Kincaid’s lupine. Invasion of remnant prairies by woody plants and weedy non-native herbaceous species is of great concern to agencies and managers responsible for conserving these native ecosystems. Available methods for the control of these pests include herbicides, biological control, prescribed burning, and mowing. This report first reviews the literature on the control of tall oatgrass and the shrubs poison oak and rose. Each of these species is an important threat to Willamette Valley upland prairies. We then presents recommendations. For control of tall oatgrass, we recommend for most situations mowing in late spring or early summer. Mowing height should be just above most of the foliage of native plants to be protected (typically 10 cm - 15 cm). In areas with Kincaid’s lupine and Fender’s blue butterfly, mowing should be delayed until July, after the flowering and flight seasons. For control of prairie shrubs, we recommend further studies to evaluate herbicide effectiveness against the target shrubs and safety for non-target native plants and animals. If herbicide use is unavailable, we recommend burning or mowing. All burning or mowing treatments should be repeated, perhaps indefinitely, to maintain pest plant control. Close

• 2. [Article] Final report, year two: Control of Brachypodium sylvaticum and restoration of rare native upland prairie habitat at Butterfly Meadows, Benton County ODA 1514 GR

  Our project goal is to protect and restore rare Willamette Valley upland prairie habitat at Butterfly Meadows (Benton County) from invasion by the noxious weed Brachypodium sylvaticum (false brome). Native ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Final report, year two: Control of Brachypodium sylvaticum and restoration of rare native upland prairie habitat at Butterfly Meadows, Benton County ODA 1514 GR Author: Johnson, Deborah, Pfund, Fred, Hammond, Paul, Blakeley-Smith, Matt, Vomocil, Marc, Kaye, Tom, Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950-, Kelpsas, Bruce, Wilson, Mark V. Our project goal is to protect and restore rare Willamette Valley upland prairie habitat at Butterfly Meadows (Benton County) from invasion by the noxious weed Brachypodium sylvaticum (false brome). Native prairies, which once dominated the landscape of the Willamette Valley, are considered among the rarest of Oregon’s ecosystems and are in critical need of conservation. One of the largest remaining parcels of native upland prairie, Butterfly Meadows (Benton County), is being invaded by Brachypodium sylvaticum. This site is one of the three most important remaining habitats for the Fender’s blue butterfly and Kincaid’s lupine, listed as Endangered and Threatened respectively. We propose to develop and implement herbicide treatments that control Brachypodium sylvaticum without harming native prairie vegetation. We will also develop and implement measures to reestablish native species from seed after removal of Brachypodium sylvaticum. Conifers and mature shrubs that have encroached on the meadow, both on the edge and in the complex, will be removed by mechanical means or girdling with herbicides. We propose to construct a buffer zone between the boundary of Butterfly Meadows and the neighboring intact forest and recently clear-cut areas, which are continuing sources of seed of Brachypodium sylvaticum invading Butterfly Meadows. This buffer zone will extend into both Starker Forest owned portions and OSU owned portions. To determine the success of control of Brachypodium sylvaticum and woody species and restoration of native vegetation, we will monitor changes in abundance of Brachypodium sylvaticum, woody species, and native vegetation. We will use monitoring results to adjust future Brachypodium sylvaticum control measures and native vegetation restoration measures as needed. Title: Final report, year two: Control of Brachypodium sylvaticum and restoration of rare native upland prairie habitat at Butterfly Meadows, Benton County ODA 1514 GR Author: Johnson, Deborah, Pfund, Fred, Hammond, Paul, Blakeley-Smith, Matt, Vomocil, Marc, Kaye, Tom, Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950-, Kelpsas, Bruce, Wilson, Mark V. Our project goal is to protect and restore rare Willamette Valley upland prairie habitat at Butterfly Meadows (Benton County) from invasion by the noxious weed Brachypodium sylvaticum (false brome). Native prairies, which once dominated the landscape of the Willamette Valley, are considered among the rarest of Oregon’s ecosystems and are in critical need of conservation. One of the largest remaining parcels of native upland prairie, Butterfly Meadows (Benton County), is being invaded by Brachypodium sylvaticum. This site is one of the three most important remaining habitats for the Fender’s blue butterfly and Kincaid’s lupine, listed as Endangered and Threatened respectively. We propose to develop and implement herbicide treatments that control Brachypodium sylvaticum without harming native prairie vegetation. We will also develop and implement measures to reestablish native species from seed after removal of Brachypodium sylvaticum. Conifers and mature shrubs that have encroached on the meadow, both on the edge and in the complex, will be removed by mechanical means or girdling with herbicides. We propose to construct a buffer zone between the boundary of Butterfly Meadows and the neighboring intact forest and recently clear-cut areas, which are continuing sources of seed of Brachypodium sylvaticum invading Butterfly Meadows. This buffer zone will extend into both Starker Forest owned portions and OSU owned portions. To determine the success of control of Brachypodium sylvaticum and woody species and restoration of native vegetation, we will monitor changes in abundance of Brachypodium sylvaticum, woody species, and native vegetation. We will use monitoring results to adjust future Brachypodium sylvaticum control measures and native vegetation restoration measures as needed. Close

• 3. [Article] Final report [year one]: Control of Brachypodium sylvaticum and restoration of rare native upland prairie habitat at Butterfly Meadows, Benton County ODA 1342 GR

  Our project goal is to protect and restore rare Willamette Valley upland prairie habitat at Butterfly Meadows (Benton County) from invasion by the noxious weed Brachypodium sylvaticum (false brome). Native ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Final report [year one]: Control of Brachypodium sylvaticum and restoration of rare native upland prairie habitat at Butterfly Meadows, Benton County ODA 1342 GR Author: Johnson, Deborah, Pfund, Fred, Hammond, Paul, Wilson, Mark V., Vomocil, Marc, Kaye, Tom, Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950-, Kelpsas, Bruce Our project goal is to protect and restore rare Willamette Valley upland prairie habitat at Butterfly Meadows (Benton County) from invasion by the noxious weed Brachypodium sylvaticum (false brome). Native prairies, which once dominated the landscape of the Willamette Valley, are considered among the rarest of Oregon’s ecosystems and are in critical need of conservation. One of the largest remaining parcels of native upland prairie, Butterfly Meadows (Benton County), is being invaded by Brachypodium sylvaticum. This site is one of the three most important remaining habitats for the Fender’s blue butterfly and Kincaid’s lupine, listed as Endangered and Threatened respectively. We propose to develop and implement herbicide treatments that control Brachypodium sylvaticum without harming native prairie vegetation. We will also develop and implement measures to reestablish native species from seed after removal of Brachypodium sylvaticum. Conifers and mature shrubs that have encroached on the meadow, both on the edge and in the complex, will be removed by mechanical means or girdling. We propose to construct a buffer zone between the boundary of Butterfly Meadows and the neighboring intact forest and recently clear-cut areas, which are continuing sources of seed of Brachypodium sylvaticum invading Butterfly Meadows. This buffer zone will extend into both Starker Forest owned portions and OSU owned portions. To determine the success of control of Brachypodium sylvaticum and woody species and restoration of native vegetation, we will monitor changes in abundance of Brachypodium sylvaticum, woody species, and native vegetation. We will use monitoring results to adjust future Brachypodium sylvaticum control measures and native vegetation restoration measures as needed. Title: Final report [year one]: Control of Brachypodium sylvaticum and restoration of rare native upland prairie habitat at Butterfly Meadows, Benton County ODA 1342 GR Author: Johnson, Deborah, Pfund, Fred, Hammond, Paul, Wilson, Mark V., Vomocil, Marc, Kaye, Tom, Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950-, Kelpsas, Bruce Our project goal is to protect and restore rare Willamette Valley upland prairie habitat at Butterfly Meadows (Benton County) from invasion by the noxious weed Brachypodium sylvaticum (false brome). Native prairies, which once dominated the landscape of the Willamette Valley, are considered among the rarest of Oregon’s ecosystems and are in critical need of conservation. One of the largest remaining parcels of native upland prairie, Butterfly Meadows (Benton County), is being invaded by Brachypodium sylvaticum. This site is one of the three most important remaining habitats for the Fender’s blue butterfly and Kincaid’s lupine, listed as Endangered and Threatened respectively. We propose to develop and implement herbicide treatments that control Brachypodium sylvaticum without harming native prairie vegetation. We will also develop and implement measures to reestablish native species from seed after removal of Brachypodium sylvaticum. Conifers and mature shrubs that have encroached on the meadow, both on the edge and in the complex, will be removed by mechanical means or girdling. We propose to construct a buffer zone between the boundary of Butterfly Meadows and the neighboring intact forest and recently clear-cut areas, which are continuing sources of seed of Brachypodium sylvaticum invading Butterfly Meadows. This buffer zone will extend into both Starker Forest owned portions and OSU owned portions. To determine the success of control of Brachypodium sylvaticum and woody species and restoration of native vegetation, we will monitor changes in abundance of Brachypodium sylvaticum, woody species, and native vegetation. We will use monitoring results to adjust future Brachypodium sylvaticum control measures and native vegetation restoration measures as needed. Close

• 4. [Article] Final report: Restoration of Fender’s blue butterfly and its prairie ecosystem: Management applications of fire to Baskett Slough NWR

  We tested the recolonization ability of the Fender’s blue butterfly and monitored the vegetation response to a management-scale prescribed fire at the Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge, western Oregon. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Final report: Restoration of Fender’s blue butterfly and its prairie ecosystem: Management applications of fire to Baskett Slough NWR Author: Wilson, Mark V., Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950- We tested the recolonization ability of the Fender’s blue butterfly and monitored the vegetation response to a management-scale prescribed fire at the Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge, western Oregon. The prescribed fire successfully cut shrub cover in half, but also reduced the size of Festuca roemeri, a dominant native grass. Although the fire killed all Fender’s blue butterfly larvae, as expected, adult females were able to recolonize the burned area from a nearby, unburned patch. These results support predictions that the Fender’s blue butterfly can recolonize burned areas for a distance of at least 100 m. Title: Final report: Restoration of Fender’s blue butterfly and its prairie ecosystem: Management applications of fire to Baskett Slough NWR Author: Wilson, Mark V., Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950- We tested the recolonization ability of the Fender’s blue butterfly and monitored the vegetation response to a management-scale prescribed fire at the Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge, western Oregon. The prescribed fire successfully cut shrub cover in half, but also reduced the size of Festuca roemeri, a dominant native grass. Although the fire killed all Fender’s blue butterfly larvae, as expected, adult females were able to recolonize the burned area from a nearby, unburned patch. These results support predictions that the Fender’s blue butterfly can recolonize burned areas for a distance of at least 100 m. Close

• 5. [Article] Promoting regeneration of native species In Willamette Valley upland prairies

  Native prairies of the Willamette Valley are considered among the rarest of Oregon’s ecosystems and are in critical need of conservation. Management strategies for increasing the abundance of native species ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Promoting regeneration of native species In Willamette Valley upland prairies Author: Wilson, Mark V., Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950- Native prairies of the Willamette Valley are considered among the rarest of Oregon’s ecosystems and are in critical need of conservation. Management strategies for increasing the abundance of native species are urgently needed, particularly those strategies that promote the regeneration of native species from seed. The focus of this investigation was to address this need. The general approach was to sow seeds of native species into experimental field plots, which had been burned once, burned repeatedly, mowed, or unmanaged at three sites at Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge. Seedling numbers were then counted one growing season after sowing. To investigate mechanisms for the regeneration responses of species to management treatments, selected abiotic and biotic factors potentially important for seed regeneration were measured in the field plots. Seedling establishment rates in unmanaged plots were relatively small, averaging 9.7% for all three sites. Only one species, Danthonia californica, showed a positive response to the mowing treatment. Of the 13 species sowed in the burn plots, six species (Bromus carinatus, Elymus glacus, Festuca roemeri/rubra, Clarkia quadrivulera, Prunella vulgaris, Sidalcea campestris) had significant more seedlings in the burn plots compared to the unmanaged plots. Seedling establishment of two species, Danthonia californica and Potentilla gracilis, was significantly lower with burn treatments. The other five species showed no significant responses to the burn treatments: Carex tumicola, Calochortus tolmiei, Zygadensus venenosus, Balsamorhiza deltoidea, and Agoseris grandilflora. The strongest fire effects were generally in plots that had been burned only once, rather than plots burned more than once. Abundance of litter and vegetation were the factors that were most often related, both positively and negatively, with seedling establishment rates. Based on the results of this investigation, prescribed burning, rather than mowing, is a more viable management option to promote regeneration of native species from seed in upland prairies. However, prescribed burning must be used with caution as it can reduce seedling establishment rates for some species. Sowing seeds in unmanaged sites is an option, but sowing rates need to be high to compensate for the small seedling establishment rates in unmanaged prairies. Title: Promoting regeneration of native species In Willamette Valley upland prairies Author: Wilson, Mark V., Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950- Native prairies of the Willamette Valley are considered among the rarest of Oregon’s ecosystems and are in critical need of conservation. Management strategies for increasing the abundance of native species are urgently needed, particularly those strategies that promote the regeneration of native species from seed. The focus of this investigation was to address this need. The general approach was to sow seeds of native species into experimental field plots, which had been burned once, burned repeatedly, mowed, or unmanaged at three sites at Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge. Seedling numbers were then counted one growing season after sowing. To investigate mechanisms for the regeneration responses of species to management treatments, selected abiotic and biotic factors potentially important for seed regeneration were measured in the field plots. Seedling establishment rates in unmanaged plots were relatively small, averaging 9.7% for all three sites. Only one species, Danthonia californica, showed a positive response to the mowing treatment. Of the 13 species sowed in the burn plots, six species (Bromus carinatus, Elymus glacus, Festuca roemeri/rubra, Clarkia quadrivulera, Prunella vulgaris, Sidalcea campestris) had significant more seedlings in the burn plots compared to the unmanaged plots. Seedling establishment of two species, Danthonia californica and Potentilla gracilis, was significantly lower with burn treatments. The other five species showed no significant responses to the burn treatments: Carex tumicola, Calochortus tolmiei, Zygadensus venenosus, Balsamorhiza deltoidea, and Agoseris grandilflora. The strongest fire effects were generally in plots that had been burned only once, rather than plots burned more than once. Abundance of litter and vegetation were the factors that were most often related, both positively and negatively, with seedling establishment rates. Based on the results of this investigation, prescribed burning, rather than mowing, is a more viable management option to promote regeneration of native species from seed in upland prairies. However, prescribed burning must be used with caution as it can reduce seedling establishment rates for some species. Sowing seeds in unmanaged sites is an option, but sowing rates need to be high to compensate for the small seedling establishment rates in unmanaged prairies. Close

• 6. [Article] Native plant revegetation at Butterfly Meadows (Benton County), habitat for the endangered Fender's blue butterfly

  Native prairies, which once dominated the landscape of the Willamette Valley, are considered among the rarest of Oregon's ecosystems and are in critical need of conservation. One of the largest remaining ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Native plant revegetation at Butterfly Meadows (Benton County), habitat for the endangered Fender's blue butterfly Author: Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950- Native prairies, which once dominated the landscape of the Willamette Valley, are considered among the rarest of Oregon's ecosystems and are in critical need of conservation. One of the largest remaining parcels of native upland prairie, Butterfly Meadows (Benton County), is being invaded by Brachypodium sylvaticum (false brome). This site is one of three most important remaining habitats for the Fender's blue butterfly and Kincaid's lupine, federally listed as Endangered and Threatened respectively. Most of Butterfly Meadows is owned by Starker Forests (Corvallis) with a small portion owned by Oregon State University. A partnership was formed in 2002 of people and organizations interested in protecting and restoring Butterfly Meadows: Fred Pfund (Starker Forests) Matt Blakeley-Smith (Institute for Applied Ecology) Deborah Clark (Oregon State University, Biology Program) Paul Hammond (Entomologist, Private consultant) Debbie Johnson (Oregon State University, College Forests) Tom Kaye (Institute for Applied Ecology) Bruce Kelpsas (Helena Chemical Company) In fall 2002, the partnership submitted a proposal (Control of Brachypodium sylvaticum and Restoration of Rare Native Upland Prairie Habitat at Butterfly Meadows, Benton County) and received funding from the Oregon Department of Agriculture. The project goal was and is to protect and restore rare Willamette Valley upland prairie habitat at Butterfly Meadows (Benton County) from invasion by the noxious weed Brachypodium sylvaticum (false brome). Since receiving funding in 2002, the partnership has developed and implemented herbicide treatments, beginning with small scale experiments, which control Brachypodium sylvaticum without harming native prairie vegetation or the Fender's blue butterfly. We used the results of these small-scale experiments to develop strategies for restoration of larger areas of the Butterfly Meadows, which Starker Forests has implemented at its own expense. These strategies have been relatively successful in controlling false brome, but we are now at a time where we need to revegetate these areas where false brome has been controlled. These areas are too large to quickly revegetate with existing native herbaceous species, so we need to augment the site with additional seed. Transplanting greenhouse grown plants is also an option but is much more costly. We hope to apply for additional funding elsewhere for these transplants. Title: Native plant revegetation at Butterfly Meadows (Benton County), habitat for the endangered Fender's blue butterfly Author: Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950- Native prairies, which once dominated the landscape of the Willamette Valley, are considered among the rarest of Oregon's ecosystems and are in critical need of conservation. One of the largest remaining parcels of native upland prairie, Butterfly Meadows (Benton County), is being invaded by Brachypodium sylvaticum (false brome). This site is one of three most important remaining habitats for the Fender's blue butterfly and Kincaid's lupine, federally listed as Endangered and Threatened respectively. Most of Butterfly Meadows is owned by Starker Forests (Corvallis) with a small portion owned by Oregon State University. A partnership was formed in 2002 of people and organizations interested in protecting and restoring Butterfly Meadows: Fred Pfund (Starker Forests) Matt Blakeley-Smith (Institute for Applied Ecology) Deborah Clark (Oregon State University, Biology Program) Paul Hammond (Entomologist, Private consultant) Debbie Johnson (Oregon State University, College Forests) Tom Kaye (Institute for Applied Ecology) Bruce Kelpsas (Helena Chemical Company) In fall 2002, the partnership submitted a proposal (Control of Brachypodium sylvaticum and Restoration of Rare Native Upland Prairie Habitat at Butterfly Meadows, Benton County) and received funding from the Oregon Department of Agriculture. The project goal was and is to protect and restore rare Willamette Valley upland prairie habitat at Butterfly Meadows (Benton County) from invasion by the noxious weed Brachypodium sylvaticum (false brome). Since receiving funding in 2002, the partnership has developed and implemented herbicide treatments, beginning with small scale experiments, which control Brachypodium sylvaticum without harming native prairie vegetation or the Fender's blue butterfly. We used the results of these small-scale experiments to develop strategies for restoration of larger areas of the Butterfly Meadows, which Starker Forests has implemented at its own expense. These strategies have been relatively successful in controlling false brome, but we are now at a time where we need to revegetate these areas where false brome has been controlled. These areas are too large to quickly revegetate with existing native herbaceous species, so we need to augment the site with additional seed. Transplanting greenhouse grown plants is also an option but is much more costly. We hope to apply for additional funding elsewhere for these transplants. Close