NASC - Dulanay Bog

[meadowview]

Hi Folks:

I just looked at the recent NASC minutes and saw they are contemplating herbicide use at Dulanay bog (mountain wetland in NC). Please be EXTREMELY careful with any herbicide application near Sarracenia since they are exquisitely sensitive to these compounds. Further, there is typically root translocation from target species (red maple, alder, tulip poplar) to a zone of 3 or more feet around the target species. In other words, if you have Sarracenia within 3 feet of target species don't use herbicide.

Mountain bogs are a challenging and interesting pitcher plant habitat to restore. Unfortunately, the indigenous beaver genotype that may have helped regulate these sites hydrologically was exterminated and has been replaced with a different mid-western genotype with behavioral (e.g. dam construction) differences.

Good luck and let us know if you need some help.

Sincerely,

Phil Sheridan, Ph.D.
Director
Meadowview Biological
Research Station

[kitkor]

Hey Phil -

Sorry I didn't see this earlier! To clarify, we're still trying to convince the landowner that a burn might be a better management strategy in this case. The property owners had cleared a pilot study section with targeted herbicide treatment to no apparent ill effect on the Sarracenia, which are now thriving in the open conditions. The remainder of the bog needs to be treated and the property owners seem to be much more comfortable with the herbicide treatment. I share your concerns with it and would prefer a different strategy. We have tried to bring expert voices in on the subject to persuade them of the benefits of a controlled burn.

It's unclear why the hydrology of this site has changed so recently. There was road construction nearby around the time that people began noticing a change in density and succession.

Thanks for the input and the offer! We may ask for advice in the future, given that you have experience with S. purpurea habitat in Virginia.

Cheers,
Ryan Kitko
Vice President, NASC

[Brian Barnes]

Hello Ryan,

Perhaps if you showed them some of our CPN articles which show the benefits of prescribed fire, it may prove persuasive. Siggi's new film; "Sarracenia, Endangered Gems" also touches the subject well and has plenty of footage of bogs in excellent, healthy condition as a direct result thereof. The ICPS continues to help support such endeavors conducted by legitimate recipients.

Keep us posted.

Brian.

[kitkor]

Brian,
Thanks for the suggestions! I'll pass them along to the NASC board member that is handling the discussions with the property owners. We're still hopeful, but at this point we'd like to see something -- anything get done. We have funds set aside for this specific project and willing volunteers. It's all p's and q's right now, I suppose.

We've also tried to contact these folks at US Fish and Wildlife to see if Dulany is on their radar, but so far no message has been returned: www.fws.gov/southeast/mountainbogs/ProjectOverview.html
The project seems relatively new and sounds interesting. I just hope the "Proposed Mountain Bogs National Wildlife Refuge" ends up materializing since it would mean good things for Sarracenia.

Cheers,
Ryan

[DroseraBug]

Hi Phil, Brian,

Ryan pretty much covered it. I've been to this site off and on for 10+ years. It needs help. I've been in talks with the owners of the property and government staff regarding vegetation removal and the use of targeted herbicides or fire management strategies in the bog. I completely agree that the use of herbicides anywhere near other sensitive plants or WATER presents a risk. The pilot study was conducted by a licensed USFS botanist, who I've met at the site and communicated with. I vote for fire and I've tried getting this argument across. There are other specialist that I've spoke to that have a good point regarding fire suppression of the thick vegetation in this mountain bog. One concern was fire eliminating the deep thick sphagnum layer at the site.

Thanks for the discussion.

Victor