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Spatial Modeling of Invasive Flowering Rush (Butomus umbellatus) in the Columbia River Headwaters Salish Kootenai College, University of Montana, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, and CIPM (Montana State University) Project Summary An integrated research, education, and extension project to develop a spatial model that will help predict the biological potential of flowering rush in Flathead Lake, Montana. The aquatic invasive plant has significant negative implications for the Columbia River system. CIPM is cooperating as a partner on this project, participating from the start by providing evaluation, help defining project outcome measures, consulting on educational strategies, and advising on educational material production. This project is enhancing the land grant relationship between the Salish Kootenai College and CIPM, particularly with invasive species work. This research is the first of its type, evaluating the ecological role of flowering rush invasion and spatial modeling invasive species in aquatic environments is a relatively new area. Documenting current and future conditions and increasing understanding of plant ecology is essential to evaluate the threat to local and regional fish and wildlife environments, agricultural irrigation water delivery costs, water quality and identification of safe and effective mitigations. Research team leaders hypothesize that by (1) reducing the spread and ecological impacts of flowering rush in Flathead Lake, Montana, and the Columbia River system, and (2) utilizing spatial modeling to identify key infestations, spread vectors and characterizing flowering rush plant ecology, they will be able to design appropriate management mitigations to reduce the impacts. Project objectives: Project outcomes will include a tool to evaluate the potential spread of flowering rush in the Flathead Basin and implications for the Columbia River Basin; an inventory and map of flowering rush incursion in the Flathead Basin for public, natural resource managers and policy makers; and recommendations for flowering rush management. The research focus of this project presents a compelling area for CIPM involvement in long-term aquatic and riparian invasive plant issues. Flowering rush is an issue for areas off the Flathead Reservation and has become an issue for the Montana Noxious Weed Trust Fund as landowners implement management efforts. These efforts are largely non-tested, and there is public controversy concerning aquatic herbicide use. This is an area that CIPM sees the need for careful coordination and communication for long-term management strategies to be effective. |
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