Ecoculture

The Objective of This Project Is to Use Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) Practices to Resurvey Populations, Maintain and Control the Spread of Yellow Bluestem (bothriochloa Ischaemum) Along Highway 288, Pleasant Valley Ranger District Within the Tonto National Forest. Yellow Bluestem (bothriochloa Ischaemum) Is an Introduced Bunchgrass Species That Is Becoming Invasive and Has the Potential to Form Biodiversity-inhibiting Monocultures That Can Transform Grassland Vegetation at the Community and Ecosystem Levels of Organization. Cooperator Will Treat Invasive Grass Species Chemically Following Seasonal Precipitation and Plant Green Up. the Initial Chemical Treatment Will Be Utilized by Applying a 1% Solution of Imazapyr via Backpack Sprayers. a Secondary Chemical Treatment Will Occur 8 Weeks After the Initial Treatment. This Targeted Method Has Been Used to Successfully Eradicate Invasive Grass Populations in Similar Habitats of the Lower Salt River in Previous Years, With No Negative Impacts to Surrounding Native Plants. Project Planning, Surveying, Treatment, and Monitoring Will Be Completed by the Cooperator in Coordination With Tonto National Forest Personnel.