Courtesy photo
Rocky Mountain National Park is a place of pristine beauty where citizens can take a proverbial step back in time to view natural wonders in the native environments.
Keeping the rocky slopes and pine filled valleys of the park in a natural is no easy task and requires an army of employees and citizen volunteers working on projects throughout the year. Next week once such project will get underway in the Kawuneeche Valley as Park employees and officials from Rocky Mountain Conservancy come together with local volunteers to tackle a exotic plant mitigation project within the park.
“As part of the Park Service’s exotic plan management plan, we will be working to manage the invasive species that exist within the park that can have a detrimental impact on natural ecosystems,” explained Geoff Elliot, Director of Conservation with Rocky Mountain Conservancy.
According to Elliott the project will be focused on towards the Park’s Grand Lake entrance, noting that all work would likely be done within walking distance of that facility. The work, which will be led by Park staff, will focus on specific areas especially those where higher use by visitors. Elliot noted that many of the plants that are considered invasive within the park tend to become established in soils that have been recently disturbed.
“Often when they move in and can be more successful than native plants,” Elliot said. “But native plants are integral in the Park Service’s mission to preserve the natural resources here.”
The issue with invasive species is not a new one for Rocky. The park regularly deals with issues related to invasive species of both plants and animals, both of which can drastically alter landscapes and wildlife habits and habitat. Elliott noted that volunteer work projects such as this are a major factor in the Park’s strategy for combating invasive plants. The reason is unsurprising.
Much like your garden at home, there are few efficient strategies for combating invasive plant species. Park officials have the option of spraying herbicides on some plants but Elliot noted that strategy is “much more aggressive”. A less aggressive tactic, though one requiring the marshaling of significant labor, is to remove exotic plants through what Elliot euphemistically referred to as “mechanical removal”.
When volunteers mechanically remove invasive plants from the park they accomplish that either by pulling the plants out root and stem, or by cutting the seed heads on the plant; in essence pulling weeds. Elliot said the specific strategy varies depending on the plant.
According to Elliot the specific plants that that will be dealt with this week will be determined by Park staff. Elliot noted this is the second year Rocky Mountain Conservancy has helped lead the charge for volunteers for an exotic plant mitigation project near Grand Lake.
“In the past when we have done this project, we have targeted scentless chamomile,” Elliot said. “
Elliot said the Conservancy’s role within the project is simply logistical, helping to gather volunteers for the work.
“As the conservancy, our mission is to promote stewardship of public lands,” he said. “We see engaging volunteers with this park service mission as hitting both marks.”
The service project will get underway this Wednesday, July 10, beginning at 9 a.m. Work is expected to last until roughly 1 p.m. To register to volunteer on the project go to http://www.rmconservancy.org/work-with-us/volunteer/ where you will find a full list of the Conservancy’s upcoming volunteer projects.