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

intentionally or accidentally from Europe or Asia. While many non-native plants rarely persist very
long outside of cultivation, some have become naturalized in North America, and a few have
become serious threats to native biodiversity. Freeman et al. (1997) identified Garlic mustard
(Alliaria petiolata) as a serious pest in floodplain forests on the installation. More than a dozen
non-native, woody species also were listed as potential threats and monitoring of their status was
recommended.
As part of this study, we attempted to determine the distribution and abundance of exotic plants
that represent the most serious threats to native biodiversity on FLMR. Our initial interested was
garlic mustard, Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii DC.), Chinese spindle-tree (Euonymus
fortunei (Turcz.) Hand.-Mazz.), autumn-olive (Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb.), Amur honeysuckle
(Lonicera maackii (Rupr.) Maxim.), multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora Thunb.), and common
privet (Ligustrum vulgare L.). In addition, sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata (Dum. Cours.)
G. Don), added to the state noxious weed list in 2000, was documented on FLMR during the first
survey. Surveys for it were conducted and are summarized.
Objective 3. Data Management. Data about each population of rare plant and animal were
entered into KSNHI's databases using standard Heritage methodology. Locations of rare species
were mapped onto topographic maps maintained in the KSNHI map file. Natural community
occurrences that meet KSNHI database criteria also were mapped and added to the databases.
Natural community locations and plant and animal locations were digitized using ArcView GIS
software. Attributes describing the species and plant community occurrences were attached to
these polygon and point coverages.
Objective 4. Management Recommendations. Preservation of native biological diversity is
mandated for Army installations and must be undertaken in ways consistent with military
mission. Effective preservation efforts will require that conservation goals are science-based and
fully integrated with current and planned military activities, recreational and education programs,
and other endeavors. The linchpin of an effective preservation program is a set of sound
management recommendations, targeted to specific sites, which can be referenced by natural
resource personnel to accomplish well-defined conservation and restoration objectives.
Freeman et al. (1997) offered 15 recommendations intended to maintain and enhance the
biodiversity of natural communities documented on FLMR. The recommendations fell into three
categories: land management, education and promotion, and additional studies. Based on recent
surveys, we have built on these original management recommendations by developing and
expanding the management strategies to preserve and enhance the natural features of FLMR.
Broadly defined, the objectives of this part of the study were: 1) maintain and enhance highquality
native communities on the installation, 2) improve habitat condition and quality of
degraded sites, and 3) identify opportunities to restore other communities and populations. The
methods used in planning require several integrated steps including: 1) establishing clear goals
and objectives; 2) delineating management units; 3) identifying management issues and
concerns; 4) developing recommendations and alternatives for different levels of management;
and 5) outlining methods to assess the effectiveness of the plan in meeting objectives.
NATURAL AREAS INVENTORY OF FT. LEAVENWORTH II 3