Browsing by Author "Franke, Morgan"
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- Choosing Plant Species for Reclamation to Better Resist Invasion from Exotic, Invasive PlantsBarney, Jacob; Franke, Morgan (Virginia Tech. Powell River Project, 2017)Post‐mining landscapes are currently reclaimed using the Forestry Reclamation Approach (FRA) developed at Virginia Tech that seeks to achieve high hardwood tree canopy cover following establishment of “tree‐compatible groundcover”. FRA has been successful in advancing development of ecosystem structure (e.g., ground cover, species diversity, stem density). However, as Dr. Burger and colleagues pointed out in 2010, FRA results in more bare ground, which “allows more invasion by plant species from nearby areas.” They point out this is often from adjacent native species from natural dispersal or by animals. However, the gaps left by FRA leave much of the ground open to invasion by exotic plants as well, that may have negative impacts to desirable vegetation and ecosystem function. Exotic invasive plants are known to have negative impacts to ecosystem structure and function in a wide range of systems. However, the effect of these exotic plants can be especially problematic on reclaimed mine sites due to the harsh growing environment.
- How Do Reclamation Conditions Affect the Invasion Success of the Exotic Autumn Olive?Barney, Jacob; Franke, Morgan (Virginia Tech. Powell River Project, 2014)Post-mining landscapes are currently reclaimed using the Forestry Reclamation Approach (FRA) developed at Virginia Tech that seeks to achieve high hardwood tree canopy cover following establishment of “tree-compatible groundcover”. FRA has been successful in advancing development of ecosystem structure (e.g., ground cover, species diversity, stem density). However, as Dr. Burger and colleagues pointed out in 2010, FRA results in more bare ground, which “allows more invasion by plant species from nearby areas.” They point out this is often from adjacent native species from natural dispersal or by animals. However, the gaps left by FRA leave much of the ground open to invasion by exotic plants as well, that may have negative impacts to desirable vegetation. Exotic invasive plants are known to have negative impacts to ecosystem structure and function in a wide range of systems. However, the effect of these exotic plants can be especially problematic on reclaimed mine sites due to the harsh growing environment. One of the most common exotic invaders of the Powell River Project is autumn olive, and is problematic for mine operators during bond release.
- How Do Reclamation Conditions Affect the Invasion Success of the Exotic Autumn Olive?Barney, Jacob; Franke, Morgan (Virginia Tech. Powell River Project, 2015)Post‐mining landscapes are currently reclaimed using the Forestry Reclamation Approach (FRA) developed at Virginia Tech that seeks to achieve high hardwood tree canopy cover following the establishment of “tree‐compatible groundcover”. FRA has been successful in advancing development of ecosystem structure (e.g., ground cover, species diversity, stem density). However, as Dr. Burger and colleagues pointed out in 2010, FRA results in more bare ground, which “allows more invasion by plant species from nearby areas.” They point out this is often from adjacent native species from natural dispersal or by animals. However, the gaps left by FRA leave much of the ground open to invasion by exotic plants as well, that may have negative impacts to desirable vegetation. Exotic invasive plants are known to have negative impacts to ecosystem structure and function in a wide range of systems. However, the effect of these exotic plants can be especially problematic on reclaimed mine sites due to the harsh growing environment. One of the most common exotic invaders of the Powell River Project is autumn olive, and is problematic for mine operators during bond release.
- How Do Reclamation Conditions Affect the Invasion Success of the Exotic Autumn Olive?Barney, Jacob; Franke, Morgan (Virginia Tech. Powell River Project, 2016)Post-mining landscapes are currently reclaimed using the Forestry Reclamation Approach (FRA) developed at Virginia Tech that seeks to achieve high hardwood tree canopy cover following the establishment of “tree-compatible groundcover”. FRA has been successful in advancing development of ecosystem structure (e.g., ground cover,species diversity, stem density). However, as Dr. Burger and colleagues pointed out in 2009, FRA results in more bare ground, which “allows more invasion by plant species from nearby areas.” They point out this is often from adjacent native species from natural dispersal or by animals. However, the gaps left by FRA leave much of the ground open to invasion by exotic plants as well, that may have negative impacts to desirable vegetation. Exotic invasive plants are known to have negative impacts to ecosystem structure and function in a wide range of systems. However, the effect of these exotic plants can be especially problematic on reclaimed mine sites due to the harsh growing environment. One of the most common exotic invaders of the Powell River Project is autumn olive, and is problematic for mine operators during bond release.
- Understanding Invasive Species Impacts on Reclaimed Surface-Mined LandsFranke, Morgan (Virginia Tech, 2016-07-11)Mining has caused ecosystem losses worldwide, with surface mining disturbing >2.4 million hectares in the United States since 1930. The Appalachian region of the US is home to extensive temperate deciduous forests that provide many ecosystem services and economic benefits. However, >400,000 hectares of forest have been lost due to surface coal mining, with most not being restored back to native forests or other productive land uses. These areas are left fragmented, heavily modified, unmanaged, and densely invaded by non-native plants. Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) is one of the most prevalent invasive species on reclaimed mines in Appalachia and viewed as one of the main hindrances to the successful reclamation of mined land to restore native forests. In order to better assess the impact autumn olive can have on reclamation success, we characterize autumn olive's performance in various reclamation scenarios and also how the management of autumn olive affects hardwood tree establishment. We review how exotic species impact restoration outcomes, and advocate for a better understanding of how these species could contribute towards a more ecological understanding of reclamation. Reclamation goals are currently assessed after 5 years, prioritizing short-term goals (e.g. erosion control) instead of longer-term goals such as the return of ecosystem function. With a better understanding of plant function and ecological processes, we hope to continue to advance successful reclamation on surface mined lands.