NEW HAMPSHIRE
A Biodiversity Inventory of Hanover, NH
Town of Hanover, NH
Increasing sub-urbanization of the rural section of Hanover, NH threatens to disrupt habitat for flora, fauna, and existing ecological reserves. Citizen leaders in planning and conservation efforts propose to inventory the status of the town's biodiversity. These findings will be incorporated into the new Hanover Master Plan and used to focus ongoing efforts in conservation through land protection strategies (acquisition, easements, etc.) and land-owner education.
Natural Communities and Rare Plants in Hanover, NH
Open Spaces in Hanover, NH
Watersheds, Stonewall Farm and You
Stonewall Farm, Keene, NH
An outdoor interpretive exhibit with several related messages will be developed on approx. 20 sq. ft. of permanent outdoor exhibitry. The exhibit will include text and graphics to explain the concept of a watershed, as well as Stonewall's location in the CT River watershed. The best management practices to protect water quality and aquatic habitats downstream, as well as practical information that visitors can use at home to protect water quality, will be described.
The 100 Acre Wood
Monroe Consolidated School, Monroe, NH
The Monroe Consolidated School and partners will begin a long range, year round evolving program of stewardship education on 100 acres in New Hampshire. Teachers, students and the landowners will understand natural resources management, cultural heritage, and local economics, while enhancing personal interrelationships within the community. This will be achieved through sound environmental practices and procedures.
Riparian Buffers in the Connecticut River Watershed
Connecticut River Joint Commission, Charlestown, NH
The CRJC will convene a work session with the array of federal, state, regional, and private non-profit entities offering expertise regarding present or potential riparian buffers on the mainstem of the Connecticut River and its tributaries. Information gathered from the group will form the basis of a new set of educational materials aimed at landowners, conservation professional and town officials, to be used by both those advising the public and those forming policy regarding riverfront land use.
The Correlation of Physical Parameters on Larval Release Patterns of the Dwarf Wedge Mussel
Saint Anselm College, Manchester, NH
Life history information is fundamental to establishing sound conservation and recovery programs for endangered species of mussels. In this study, light levels, temperature, and current velocity will be monitored in order to further the understanding the effects of these physical parameters on larval release. These findings will have implications for conservation and management including the regulation of flow release regimes of dams.
Landscape Analysis and Ecological Inventory of the Bunnell Tract
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) of New Hampshire, Concord, NH
TNC of NH will conduct a landscape analysis and baseline ecological inventory of the 18,680 acre Bunnell Tract in the upper CT River watershed. This tract features 13 peaks above 3,000 feet and 28 miles of stream frontage. TNC purchased the property in June 2000, marking the largest private land conservation acquisition in New Hampshire history. TNC is launching an initiative to identify and document the status of rare species, exemplary natural communities, and other significant natural features within this remarkable landscape and develop adaptive management conservation plans.
Eugene M. Zuckert Conservation Project
Student Conservation Association (SCA), Charlestown, NH
SCA, in partnership with the Upper Valley Land Trust, will develop and implement strategic programming to foster cooperative stewardship education and management efforts in the Upper Valley of the CT watershed. First efforts of the committee will be to conduct a natural heritage inventory of Hubbard and Wolcott Islands in the CT River, document and communicate significant findings to the NH Natural Heritage Inventory, and draft a management plan for the islands that will protect biological diversity and identify appropriate uses of the islands for SCA's stewardship education programming.
VERMONT
Voice of the River Radio Series
Connecticut Riverfest, White River Junction, VT
Voice of the River is a weekly 30 minute radio program designed to inform the public about the unique diversity of natural and cultural history in the Connecticut River watershed. Short, topical broadcasts called River Minutes will also be aired. Stations are located in the central and northern watershed.
The Northern Connecticut Basin Shore Land Resource Project
Vermont River Conservancy (VRC), Montpelier, VT
The VRC will produce a Shore Land Conservation Case Studies Booklet summarizing selected shore land conservation projects from Vermont's Connecticut River Basin north of Moore Reservoir. Case study booklets and inventory maps (with descriptive text) will be distributed to local groups to encourage conserving significant shore land property.
Control of Invasive Exotics at Three Natural Areas
The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Montpelier, VT
Japanese knotweed and black swallowwort are invasive, exotic plants which threaten floodplain forests throughout the Connecticut River watershed. The Nature Conservancy owns and manages two natural areas in Hartland and one in Sharon, Vermont where these species occur. TNC will use volunteers to carefully map, measure, and cut the Japanese knotweed at all three preserves three times during the growing season, and TNC staff will map and measure the black swallowwort, and apply herbicide twice to control it.
Resolving Conflicts Phase 1: Narrowing the Universe of Dams
Division for Historic Preservation, Montpelier, VT
This project will develop a "short list" of historic timber dams that will be field inventoried, evaluated, and prioritized for preservation in a later, separately funded, phase of this project. This will be the first step in developing a prioritization plan that resolves competing interests between preserving significant historic timber dams and improving fisheries and water quality in Vermont.
Inventory of Aquatic Invertebrates in the Connecticut River Basin
Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife, Waterbury, VT
Inventories of snails and crayfish will be expanded in an effort to document species distributions in Vermont and to track the spread of exotic species within the basin. This information will benefit ongoing efforts to identify ecologically important areas, protect rare species, design conservation plans, and increase public awareness of the role and plight of aquatic invertebrates in the natural environment.
Safe Water for Loons
National Wildlife Federation's Northeast Natural Resource Center, Montpelier, VT
The National Wildlife Federation's Northeast Natural Resource Center proposes to develop a model project that would reduce the use of lead by establishing exchange sites at loon nesting and feeding ponds that are popular fishing access sites. At these sites, anglers will be able to exchange lead sinkers for non-toxic alternatives. Volunteers stationed at each site would ensure the exchange is one-to-one and provide educational materials on the hazards of lead to wildlife and humans.
Elizabeth Mine Restoration Project
Elizabeth Mine Study Group Project, Amherst, VT
The Elizabeth Mine is Vermont's worst non-point source of water pollution. This project will educate local citizens about the problem, train them to collect water flow, chemistry and biological data, and work with our federal, state, and local project partners to develop remediation plans for cleaning up the Elizabeth Mine site and returning biological health to the affected waters.
Watershed Stewardship Education Program
Southern Vermont Natural History Museum, Jacksonville, VT
The Adopt-A-Salmon Family Program & Curriculum will introduce watershed stewardship and salmon restoration to two schools in Vermont. The goal is to instill a long-term sense of stewardship to the area's youth. The program will serve as a pilot project to assess its viability in small, rural schools. The museum will use a highly successful model currently used by the Connecticut River Salmon Association, and will work with their guidance.
Habitats and Watersheds - Landowner Awareness Project
Vermont Association of Conservation Districts, Poultney, VT
An outreach campaign targeting landowners in the Essex, Caledonia, Ottauquechee, White River and Windham County Natural Resource Conservation Districts is planned to raise awareness about the impact of land management on watershed pollution and habitat degradation. The campaign will include the use of a video, information kit, website, fact sheets, presentations, interviews, tours and media events.
Conservation and Management of Endangered Loons in N. E. Vermont
Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS), Craftsbury, VT
The common loon, a sensitive indicator of water quality and ecological integrity, is threatened by a variety of human impacts, including shoreline habitat loss, nest site disturbance, and heavy metal poisoning. VINS will maintain its efforts to protect this endangered bird and its habitat in north eastern VT during 2001. The VINS loon biologist and volunteers will continue the critical monitoring of breeding loons and loon activity, protect and enhance loon nesting sites, conduct an educational outreach campaign, and conduct other management and research projects.
Post-breeding Emigration and Habitat Use of Salamanders
Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS), Woodstock, VT
Using radio telemetry, VINS and the National Park Service will determine the post-breeding movement patterns, emigration distances, and terrestrial habitat use of Jefferson and spotted salamanders within the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park. Results from this study will identify ecologically critical areas within the park, and help guide forest management decisions.
Wetland Identification, Functional Assessment and Digital Mapping
Woodstock Conservation Commission, Woodstock, VT
Woodstock's tightly convoluted landscape results in multiple small wetlands, which due to their size and nature are not correctly identified in current NWI maps. Wetlands not accurately identified on these maps are left unprotected and vulnerable to the growing pressure for development. The Woodstock Conservation Commission wants to enhance both understanding and protection of our wetlands which are unique to mountainous regions identifying and mapping vernal pools and by conducting a natural community analysis of the area.
Ascutney Resort Bank & Buffer Project
Mill Brook Watershed Association, Ascutney, VT
The Mill Brook Watershed Association will work with Ascutney Mountain Resort and other partners to complete a bank stabilization project in W. Windsor on the property of Ascutney Mountain Resort. This project will be a demonstration project revegetating a buffer area at the top of the bank. The partnership with the resort will make this a unique opportunity for outreach and education to the community.
Passumpsic River Native Riparian Forest Buffer Restoration
Lyndon Institute, Lyndon Center, VT
This project will restore more than 4,000 linear feet of native riparian forest buffer along the Passumpsic River as part of a long-range effort to restore a large percentage of flood plain forest. The project will be accomplished through a highly interactive, educational, multiple partner approach including extensive Lyndon Institute student design and implementation, with technical assistance and supportive labor from federal and state personnel, private businesses and nonprofit organizations.
Ecology/stewardship education for three schools in Vermont
Windmill Hill Pinnacle Association, Putney, VT
This is a pilot program for three schools (grade 3-6) to integrate field studies into the science and social science curriculum. The naturalist-lead program will highlight local natural resources, stewardship ethics, plant and animal communities and geology in the Putney Mountain area of Vermont.
MASSACHUSETTS
Rediscovering Western New England: WFCR Radio Series
A Natural Focus, Westhampton, MA
A Natural Focus will produce a weekly 3 - 5 minute radio series for WFCR 88.5 FM that highlights important natural areas, special organisms, and timely natural events in the Connecticut River watershed. The purpose is to rekindle (or awaken) listeners' appreciation of the natural world, familiarize them with basic biological concepts, and inspire them to go outdoors and explore the beauty of New England's natural areas.
Great Falls Discovery Center—Getting the word out!
Montague Economic Development and Industrial Corporation, Turners Falls, MA
The Great Falls Discovery Center will educate visitors on the conservation and protection of the Connecticut River watershed. The Center will need to develop and maintain marketing strategies to reach visitors, volunteers, and supporters. Creating a new and innovative GFDC web site is an important first step toward effective communication and outreach.
Starting Again—with Native Plantings!, Montague Economic Development and Industrial Corporation, Turners Falls, MA
The Great Falls Discovery Center will be a major tourist, information, and education resource for residents and visitors to the Connecticut River Valley. The GFDC partners have a unique opportunity to work with local schools and the town, and this project will enable them to plan a site that compliments the exhibits within the visitor's center while teaching people about native trees, shrubs, and plants.
Snakes of the Connecticut Valley
Massachusetts Audubon Society, Pittsfield, MA
This will be a multidimensional project aimed at disseminating pertinent, accurate, and ecologically sensitive information about snakes found in the region. The first product is a colorful, six panel, laminated brochure.
Rare Plant Conservation Education
New England Wild Flower Society, Framingham, MA
The purpose of this grant is to reproduce a set of outdoor interpretive exhibits which educate people about the importance of plant conservation and habitat protection in their local area. The exhibits will be installed at several environmental education sites in the Connecticut River watershed.
Bat Hibernacula in Western Massachusetts
Northfield, MA
The goal of this project is to discover, describe, and document new bat hibernacula in the Connecticut River watershed of the western Massachusetts counties of Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire . These findings will be provided to land managers in order to ensure the conservation of these hibernacula.
Purple Loosestrife Control Project
Town of Amherst Conservation Department, Amherst, MA
Within the last two years, purple loosestrife populations have appeared on a variety of new sites on public, private, and institutional lands. The proposed project will include (1) mapping and biologically assessing purple loosestrife sites; (2) releasing Galerucella beetles at each of these sites to begin biological control of local loosestrife populations; and (3) conducting before and after studies of each site.
Continuing Studies of the Puritan Tiger Beetle in MA
Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, Westborough, MA
The Puritan tiger beetle remains in danger of extirpation in Massachusetts, in part because its habitat is extremely rare, and in part because its habitat requirements are poorly understood. The lack of critical information impedes protection and conservation decision making. Information regarding Puritan tiger beetle population dynamics and ecological requirements will be gathered by monitoring their populations and evaluating the features of occupied habitat.
Management of Purple Loosestrife at a Rare Plant Site
New England Wildflower Society, Framingham, MA
This three-year project proposes control of the invasive exotic plant, purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), at a site of the regionally rare and state endangered, toothcup (Rotala ramosiar). Purple loosestrife will be removed by hand from the toothcup populations by volunteers. Both the purple loosestrife and the toothcup will be monitored over a three year period. In addition, a management plan to maintain the toothcup and control purple loosestrife at this site will be produced.
Migratory Fisheries Restoration Initiative: Building Public Understanding and Involvement
CT River Watershed Council, Inc., Easthampton, MA
The Council will produce a handbook about dam removal, a companion piece to their "A Fishway for Your Stream" guidebook, a PowerPoint presentation, and a web page about migratory fish. These products will highlight the importance of restoring habitat and the damaging effects of dams on river ecology.
An Informational Brochure to Property Owners Along the Wild and Scenic Reaches of the Westfield River
Westfield River Wild/Scenic Advisory Committee, Williamsburg, MA
The Westfield River Wild and Scenic Advisory Committee will develop an informational brochure and distribute it to each landowner along the federally-designated Wild and Scenic stretches of the Westfield River. The brochure will provide information in river stewardship, land protection strategies and organizations, and explain the federal Wild and Scenic designation and its benefits.
Facilitated Teacher Training to Support the Ongoing Atlantic Salmon Egg Rearing Program (ASERP)
Trout Unlimited, Greenfield, MA
The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife will provide an all day teacher workshop using the Aquatic Wild curriculum. Teachers (grade 5-6) will be able to integrate the ASERP with the larger issues of watershed stewardship and habitat protection.
Atlantic Salmon Egg Rearing Program (ASERP)
Trout Unlimited, Greenfield, MA
A Northfield Elementary School class will receive an Atlantic salmon egg rearing system. After receiving ASERP training, the teacher will use the system to help raise awareness and understanding of habitat protection and watershed stewardship. Students will release the salmon fry in the spring of 2000.
Landscape-scale Analysis of Population Viability in Marbled Salamanders
University of Massachusetts, Amherst MA
This research will begin to address the issue of population viability in vernal pool breeding amphibians, focusing on the Massachusetts threatened marbled salamander. More specifically, at what scale, e.g., single ponds, multiple ponds, do we need to direct conservation efforts to ensure the long-term persistence of these animals? A long-term, landscape-scale field study will address this and related questions. Close monitoring of amphibian populations in a mosaic of vernal pools over several years will document local demographics and frequency of dispersal among ponds.
Inventory and Control of Microstegium vimineum (Japanese Stiltgrass)
New England Wild Flower Society, Framingham, MA
This project will survey and control the invasive Japanese Stiltgrass in a three-town area in south central Massachusetts, primarily Mittineague Park in W. Springfield, MA. Volunteers will be organized to hand-pull this species from within the park. Volunteers will also survey likely areas of infestation in the three-town area. Public outreach will raise the level of public involvement and awareness of this species in the local area.
Bear Swamp: Documentation and Long Term Protection of Rare Plants and Natural Community Types
Trustees of Reservations, Windsor, MA
The 284 -acre Bear Swamp in Ashfield, MA supports a diversity of community types and rare species important to the CT River watershed including at least 2 state-listed species of special concern and 5 state watch-listed species. This grant will fund a professional botanist to conduct a floristic inventory and analysis of the area. Special emphasis will be given to mapping rare species, natural community types, and exotic invasive species that threaten the ecological integrity of Bear Swamp.
Controlling and Studying Invasive Exotic Plants in an Exemplary Floodplain Forest
Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, Easthampton, MA
Massachusetts Audubon Society's Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary will remove invasive oriental bittersweet from a rare floodplain forest adjacent to the Mill River. The project will benefit from the involvement of a Smith College biology intern and ten local high school volunteers who will receive education on native and non-native plants, followed by experience with hand-pulling bittersweet. General visitors to the highly-visible site will learn about this work through handouts and laminated signs at the site.
If it's wet, don't forget—wetlands workshops
Montague Conservation Commission, Turners Falls, MA
The Montague Conservation Commission will offer three training sessions on the importance of wetlands, provisions of the law and how to obtain permits for work in wetlands. Local landowners, conservation commissions and interested public will be invited. Videotapes of the workshops will be available at libraries and shown on local access television.
Holyoke's Biodiversity Days
Holyoke Planning Department, Holyoke, MA
Three Biodiversity Days including plant and animal inventory field trips with scientists and lay people will raise public awareness of Holyoke's outstanding natural resources. Slide presentations about Holyoke’s resources will be developed and given throughout the year. A website will be constructed offering information resulting from the inventories.
CONNECTICUT
Grassland Bird Research at Holcomb Farm
Holcomb Farm Environmental Learning Center, West Granby, CT
Holcomb Farm's 80 acres of farmland, meadows, pasture, and hayfields will be inventoried to determine the species of grassland birds breeding at this site. High school and college students will collect data with the goal of developing a management plan for grassland birds. The general public will be involved through walks, programs, and opportunities to assist with the study, and a full-color brochure featuring grassland birds of Holcomb Farm will be made available.
Habitat Protection for Natural Resource Managers through Educational Outreach
UCONN, Department of Plant Science, Storrs, CT
The proposed project will continue purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) educational outreach for managers of natural resource areas in the Connecticut River watershed. Outreach tools will include presentations, interpretive exhibits, field demonstrations, development of an internet web site, and dissemination of reference materials.
Greater New England Symposium on the Ecology of Invasive Species
Yale University, School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, New Haven, CT
Invasive species pose major challenges to the conservation of native species. This one-day symposium will offer an opportunity to share data from new research initiatives in order to generate new methods for detecting, managing, and preventing invasions. Information from this symposium will be widely publicized through a booklet, a web site, and publication of proceedings in the journal, Biological Invasions.
Restoring "Dead Man's Swamp"
Cromwell Fish and Game Club, Cromwell, CT
As part of the Connecticut River ecosystem, Dead-Man's Swamp serves as an important stopover for migratory waterfowl and other birds. However, a dramatic decline in the fall flights has become apparent. This is largely due to lack of open water, resulting from the growth of invasive plant species. The purpose of the project is to control these invasives through appropriate means, as well as to provide improved habitat for waterfowl, songbirds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and fish.
The Weed Masters Program
The Nature Conservancy, Middletown, CT
Weed Masters is a volunteer-driven program to monitor and control selected invasive plant species at the 10 preserves in the Tidelands Bioreserve. The program, which runs from May-October 1999, trains volunteer monitors to (1) recognize invasives, (2) map the extent of invasives using GPS, (3) establish permanent monitoring plots, and (4) reduce the cover of target invasives. This program is intended to serve as a model program to be used by other conservation groups and partners.
Masons Island Pond Hydrilla Eradication Project
Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, Hartford, CT
The invasive, exotic plant Hydrilla verticillata is capable of completely choking entire waterbodies once introduced. Recently hydrilla was discovered in two ponds in Stonington, CT, the most northern and eastern occurrence of hydrilla known in North American. This eradication project is proposed in order to prevent hydrilla from spreading throughout New England.
A Guide of Alternatives to Invasive Ornamental Plants
CT Agricultural Expt. Station, Windsor, CT
This publication on plant alternatives, supported by the plant propagation industry is a proactive step toward education of both the public and industry professionals. This project will address the need for increased consumer awareness of invasive species issues in New England and habitat protection from invasive/potentially invasive species.
Invasive Plant Control and Outreach at Holcomb Farm
Holcomb Farm Environmental Learning Center, W. Granby, CT
This center will educate high school students, master gardener students, and local landowners about non-native, invasive species identification and removal techniques. They will involve visitors in five invasive species control projects on Holcomb Farm property, which will aid the Holcomb Farm in becoming a model of stewardship for the Granby Community. They will also offer programs about the problem of invasive species and disseminate information both in their Learning Center and the Granby Public Library.
An Outdoor Classroom: The Native Butterfly Habitat
Roaring Brook Nature Center, Canton, CT
The Center plans to expand an Outdoor Classroom Butterfly Habitat to include native plantings for adults and caterpillars, a screened caterpillar house, walking trails, interpretive signs and educational brochures. In addition, they will incorporate the Butterfly Habitat into their year-round schedule of educational programs for all ages.
Annual Connecticut River Eagle Festival (CREF)
The Connecticut Audubon Society, Inc., Hartford, CT
The Annual Connecticut River Eagle Festival, to be held February 17 - 18, remains the only major event of its kind in the Northeast, and drew more than 5,000 participants in February of 2000. This family-based event will include lectures, river cruises, and live birds of prey demonstrations. The event emphasizes education about the wintering population of bald eagles in the lower CT River.
Production of Biological Control Agents for an Invasive species
University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
A research and management project will rear and release biological control agents for purple loosestrife, an invasive non-native plant. Leaf-feeding beetles will be reared locally at the University of Connecticut and introduced into purple loosestrife infestations in wetlands that include Special Focus Areas of the CT River Watershed. The biological control agents will be included in starter kits for volunteer citizens, schools and other groups to initiate new release and monitoring sites for wetland habitat enhancement. They will also be used for supplemental releases at established sites.
The Sand Dune Communities of the Connecticut River valley
University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
Open sand communities, because they lack appreciable plant cover and are largely devoid of birds and other popular taxa, have been woefully neglected in conservation planning in the Northeast. Sand blowouts, plains, dunes, and other open sand communities are home to more than 200 species of invertebrates in the Northeast, many of which (e.g., the Dune Ghost Tiger beetle, Cicindela lepida) sit at the brink of extinction in the region. This research will help fill a data gap for these communities, providing information on the geological history, geographic distribution and unique biota.
Special Focus Area Signs in Connecticut
Old Lyme Conservation Trust, Old Lyme, CT
Interpretive signs will be installed at a scenic overlook affording views of the Connecticut River and three Conte Special Focus Areas. The signs will highlight the ecological values of these areas and include a map of the Connecticut River watershed. The signs will be located at the Baldwin Bridge Scenic Overlook, off I-95 in Old Lyme, CT.
Replant after Eastern Hemlock die-offs: a brochure
CT River Estuary Regional Planning Agency, Old Saybrook, CT
This grant will support the preparation and distribution of an educational brochure on how to replant after die-offs of Eastern Hemlock. Native shrub and tree species with high values of soil stabilization and wildlife cover will be emphasized.
On-River Trail Guide-lower Mattabesset River
Middlesex County Soil & Water Conservation District, Haddam, CT
An access area and interpretive on-river trail guide will be developed for the lower Mattabesett River including the Conte Special Focus Areas of Round and Boggy Meadows and Wilcox Island. The trail guide will increase public awareness of the River and its importance to the Tidelands region of the lower Connecticut River watershed.
Control of Water Chestnut in the Connecticut and Hockanum Rivers
Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, Hartford, CT
CT DEP, in conjunction with a number of project partners, is coordinating efforts to remove two recently discovered infestations of an invasive plant, water chestnut, from the Hockanum River in East Hartford, and from Keeney Cove on the CT River in Glastonbury. A contractor will be hired to harvest the water chestnut plants using an aquatic weed harvester, and volunteers will help by hand-pulling plants in shallow waters.
Station 43 Habitat Restoration and Management Plan
Hartford Audubon Society, West Hartford, CT
This project will perform studies and develop a habitat restoration and management plan for the Station 43.
Stream Corridor Protection and Watershed Study Project
Haddam Land Trust, Inc., Haddam, CT
The Haddam Land Trust Stream Corridor Protection and Watershed Study Project is a habitat protection and management project with a distinct educational and informational component. It will provide information on stream water quality and identify key habitat features within three sub-watershed areas that encompass a large percentage of the Town of Haddam.
Biological Control Site Monitoring—Invasive Species in Connecticut
University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
The proposed research study will continue long-term monitoring of established biological control study sites to manage infestations of purple loosestrife, a nonnative, invasive species in the Connecticut River watershed. Volunteers in the watershed area will be recruited to assist with site monitoring in the watershed and will be trained in all aspects of the biological control research program for this invasive plant.
