Fort Drum, New York, is executing a multi-year plan to develop maneuver corridors through densely forested training areas. Woody vegetation is removed to soil level by contracted timber harvests and Land Repair and Maintenance (LRAM) crew efforts. After logging, tree regrowth is removed by either mowing or prescribed burning, and herbaceous plants are established. Recently cleared areas contain woody debris that restricts the use of most land-preparation equipment for soil tillage and seeding, and also inhibits the release of available soil nutrients. We are evaluating different grasses and planting seasons. In fall 2002, spring and fall 2003, and spring 2004, we seeded three introduced fescues (Reliant II hard, Osprey hard, and Azay sheep) and several native perennials (two switchgrass varieties, three hairgrass types, plus big and little bluestem varieties). We want several candidate species to better resist regrowth of woody plants and maintain botanical diversity. The fescue species are establishing faster than the natives. Overall, establishment is slow, but fortunately erosion is not a major factor in the timbered lands.
See more of Innovative Land Management and Erosion Control/Div. A-2 Business Meeting
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See more of The ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meetings (November 6-10, 2005)