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Imagine a warm sunny day, with clear blue skies, peace and quiet while overlooking
the magnificent Mississippi River. What more could anyone seeking
a quiet spot in an urban setting ask for? At first, most of us
would say nothing. However, appearances can be deceiving. Remember
I said imagine. In many places along the river bluff in St. Paul,
Minnesota all a hopeful observer can do is imagine a great view.
Visitors to the river bluff will notice that in many areas they
cannot see the river below because an impenetrable wall of unnatural
vegetation exists. Our fragile, diverse river bluff is slowly
giving way to an emerging monoculture dominated by aggressive
exotic species.
In 1999, Friends
of the Parks and Trails of St. Paul and Ramsey County (Friends) received
funding for a 36 month grant from the Legislative
Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCMR). The grant specifically seeks
to restore ecological health by removing exotic species and replenishing
with native species; thereby, increasing diversity of plant life,
slowing erosion, and ultimately creating a healthier sustainable
ecosystem. One of the culprits for the increasing loss of diversity,
erosion and reduction of native plant species on the river bluff
is buckthorn.
Common buckthorn is native to Eurasia and is an aggressive exotic
species. First introduced in North America in the 1700's, it has
invaded woodlands and savannas at an alarming pace. Partial responsibility
is attributed to the composition of the buckthorn berries. Each
berry accommodates 3 - 4 seeds all of which contain a chemical
diuretic, which in turn causes a severe laxative effect. Needless
to say, when birds eat the berries, the seeds are dispersed rather
quickly! Buckthorn is also very hardy due to its tolerance of
both shade and drought. When droughts occur and native trees die
out, buckthorn is able to move in and quickly establish itself,
thereby, effectively prohibiting the regrowth of native trees
and plants.
There are three main objectives for our project. The objectives
are to remove the invasive exotics and replant with native species,
to educate citizens about aggressive exotic species such as buckthorn,
and finally to establish a management plan outlining strategies
to keep the river bluff ecologically healthy after the grant period
has ended.
The first objective is to remove the exotic invasive species,
and replenish with native plant life in areas prone to erosion.
In order to accomplish this, an inventory will be taken of all
exotic, native, and rare plant species. The inventory provides
a "blueprint" for removal efforts, future planting strategies
for native species, and a comprehensive site overview for appropriate
adopt-a-river-bluff locations. It also creates a formal record
for rare plant species. The project area is unique in that St.
Paul has the longest stretch of river bluff of any community along
the Mississippi River. It will be necessary to recruit hundreds
of volunteers to work on the 5-mile stretch of the river bluff
in St. Paul to remove the exotics. As project manager, I would
like to explore the feasibility of an "Adopt-a-River-Bluff"
program. As individuals or groups volunteer for the project and
work on specific areas of the bluff, it is my hope that they will
develop a sense of ownership. With ownership comes pride and continued
success follows.
The second objective of the grant is to educate the community
bordering the river bluff about the problems associated with keeping
exotic species on their property. It is understandable that relatives
from past generations may have planted buckthorn hedges. For many
families, the hedges may be a part of their history. It is our
hope that residents will realize that when grandma and grandpa
built the family home close to the river bluff it was because
they felt the river was a treasure, something for their family
to enjoy. Had they known of the threat to the ecosystem along
the river, I highly doubt they would have planted buckthorn. If
neighboring residents remove invasives such as buckthorn, it will
make the task of keeping the river bluff exotic-free a less labor-intensive
effort in the years to come.
The third objective is to develop a comprehensive management plan
as a guideline for ongoing ecological health on the river bluff
after our project is completed. The management plan will be distributed
to communities in close proximity to the project area as a "blueprint"
for maintaining ecological health. We understand that merely removing,
replanting and restoring is not enough. It is also necessary to
devise an ongoing plan to sustain the river bluff for future generations.
With all of this said, recently I was asked the following question.
"Why would I encourage homeowners to remove a shrub that
provides a habitat and food for the birds." I replied, "How
would you feel if you went to your favorite restaurant and opened
the menu only to find one item listed." They said, "That
would be ridiculous! A menu with no choices!" I said, "The
same is true for nature." Buckthorn is rapidly eliminating
choices! Without diversity, ecological health and sustainability
are as fleeting as the view of the Mississippi on that beautiful,
warm sunny day.
Click here for a print version of this article (pdf).
Contact Friends of the Parks
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