A Natural Areas Inventory of the - Kansas Natural Heritage Inventory ...

Biological communities at FLMR represent a rich reservoir of native biodiversity, and there are
plans to enhance and preserve this biodiversity through strategic management initiatives.
Invasive (exotic) plants pose a threat to the native biodiversity at FLMR and may interfere with
future restoration efforts. Exotic species are those that do not naturally occur within an area.
Although many exotic species have minimal impact on native communities, some that colonize
an area can become so abundant that they out-compete native plants and disrupt native habitats.
For these reasons, sound management requires monitoring the status of potentially aggressive
exotic species and, in some cases, active treatment to reduce their abundance. We have
identified 27 species of exotic plants that are of concern at FLMR (Appendix F).
Monitoring the distribution and abundance of these species is a critical step in protecting
biodiversity at FLMR. For some species, an active program of control is recommended (see
species-specific summaries in Appendix F). Control programs must be implemented carefully to
minimize the impact on non-target species; a poorly implemented program can be extremely
harmful to native biodiversity. Workshops on invasive species and educational materials
(pamphlets and handouts) could help inform resource managers and the public about the threats
posed by exotic species.
Recommendation 10. The old-growth floodplain forest on FLMR should be designated
formally as an outstanding natural area.
The old-growth floodplain forest on FLMR is believed to be the largest example of this natural
community type remaining in the lower Missouri River basin. It supports a variety of state-rare
species (Chapters 3 and 4 in this report) and contains the state champion pecan tree. This tract of
floodplain forest should be nominated for recognition by appropriate state and/or federal agencies
that operate natural areas programs, such as the National Park Service’s National Natural
Landmark Program. Other types of recognition also may be appropriate. Before specific areas
are nominated for recognition, a list of activities planned in the forest should be made, including
military training and recreational uses (hunting, horse riding, mushroom hunting, hiking, and bird
watching). Some activities may have to be restricted in the floodplain forest depending on the
type of recognition sought. We believe formal recognition would increase awareness of the
importance of this area and instill pride among the base staff and in the community as a whole.
Recommendation 11. A trail plan should be developed for the installation that will promote
greater public understanding and appreciation for the natural environments of FLMR and
minimize damage to fragile ecosystems.
The trail system that exists currently on FLMR should be modified in light of the results of this
study. Specifically, we suggest that one primary interpretive trail be established in the upland
forest and one in the floodplain forest. Development and maintenance of these trails might
involve civic organizations from FLMR or the city of Leavenworth. Interpretive trails should be
built on existing trails and designed to provide reliable access, minimize off-trail damage, and
stabilize or repair damage that has resulted from earlier trail use. A well-marked trail head at
which hikers can pick up trail guides and other interpretive information is strongly suggested.
NATURAL AREAS INVENTORY OF FT. LEAVENWORTH II 116