The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit of the U.S. Forest Service is seeking public comment on the actions proposed to deal with invasive plant species on National Forest lands in the Lake Tahoe Area.
According to the public letter issued by the Forest Service, chemical treatment is proposed for approximately 100 acres of infested area, and alternative treatments (manual, thermal, and mechanical solutions) will be used for as many infected areas as possible over the next 10 years. Only herbicides approved for use in California and Nevada would be used.
Non-native Invasive Plant Species (NIPS) can negatively affect the overall health of an otherwise healthy ecosystem. So how does this affect outdoor enthusiasts? Native plant species develop stronger root systems than NIPS do, preserving soil integrity. Heavy foot traffic loosens soil around trails and popular outdoor destinations, enabling invasive species that fail to strengthen the ground with their comparably flimsy root systems, to propagate in loose soil. This decrease in root structure increases the rate of erosion, risking the closure of popular trails.
As the Forest Service’s proposal states: “NIPS have the ability to spread rapidly, especially where there are soil-disturbing activities, because their populations are not kept in check…more movement of people, vehicles, and domesticated animals means expanded opportunities for weed introduction and spread.”
With such a direct impact on the propagation of these invasive plant species, Sierra Journal encourages anyone interested to provide suggestions and comments to the Forest Service before November 20, 2009 so the plan enacted is in the best interest of everyone who wishes to preserve the natural and indigenous habitat of Lake Tahoe
To read the U.S.F.S Proposal and Letter, click here
For any more information please contact Cheryl Beyer at (530) 543-2842 or at cbeyer@fs.fed.us