UBC Undergraduate Research

Patterns of invasive species and associated management options for Stanley Park Bergeson, Tara L.

Abstract

Stanley Park is located within the Coastal Western Hemlock zone, and is mostly in the subzone dry maritime (CWHdm), with a small fraction occurring in the very dry maritime subzone (CWHxm). The most frequent and troublesome invasive species were: English Ivy (Hedera helix L.), Himalayan Blackberry (Rubus discolor Weihe & Nees), European Holly (Ilex aquifolium L.), and Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica). Each poses a serious threat to maintaining native species diversity and should be properly eliminated to prevent further contamination. The purpose of this research was to examine key variables related to invasive species prevalence across Stanley Park and develop recommendations for invasive species management. The variables chosen for analysis were based on literature review and analysis of collected plot data collected during the summer of 2008, along with input from the Vancouver Parks Board (VPB) and Stanley Park Ecological Society (SPES), where applicable. The initial theory was that proximity to trails, low basal area, the number of rootwad pits (indicative of newly disturbed area) and a low volume of woody debris would contribute to the abundance of invasive species. I found that a slight relationship existed between only one of the variables and invasive cover; that as the volume of woody debris increased, the amount of invasive cover decreased. Based on this and the other findings which demonstrated no relationship, the recommendation for park staff was to use an integrated pest management system which utilizes several approaches for invasive control.

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Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International