Review and download Chapter 3 - Golden-winged Warbler Working ...

Other Habitat Management Considerations
Invasive plant prevention and management
Anytime habitat is manipulated, especially when
using heavy machinery, there is a risk of
introducing and spreading exotic, invasive plant
species. Prior to management action, target sites
should be surveyed for problematic species.
When working in an area where invasive species
are present, special actions may be necessary and
clearly outlined in a management plan.
Consultation with an invasive species control
expert is advised. Targeted removal of invasive
plants by mechanical and/or chemical means may
be necessary immediately before and/or after
management actions are implemented.
Equipment should be cleaned before
moving it from one site to another. Winter
cutting can reduce spread of these species
and the likelihood of mud and seeds sticking
to the equipment. In highly degraded sites
infested with Phragmites or other invasive
plants, we recommend following the
guidelines that have been developed for
restoration of bog turtle (Glyptemys
muhlenbergii) habitat by conservation
organizations and state agencies. In the
northeastern US, Golden-winged Warbler
and bog turtles sometimes co-occur in
swamp and shrubland habitats, thus these
guidelines may also be useful for Golden-
3–44
winged Warbler habitat restoration though they
have not been evaluated specifically for this
application (Figure 3–26). The guidelines provide
sound information on using grazing to manage
habitat in wetland situations.
A stocking density of 0.75 animal units per acre of
open habitat is recommended, though 1 animal
unit can be used for control of woody invasive
species (Tesauro 2006). This equates to 5–10
mature sheep or goats per acre. Duration of
grazing should not exceed 5 consecutive months
for 1–5 years (Tesauro 2006). Given that this is a
Figure 3–26. Goats (left photo) are one option for controlling Phragmites or other invasive plants in Golden-winged
Warbler habitat. Though this technique is untested in Golden-winged Warbler habitat, it has been effective for bog
turtle habitat restoration as pictured before (top right) and after (bottom right) grazing on this transmission line rightof-way
in New Jersey. The bottom right photo depicts the habitat improvement after two years of grazing treatments.
Photos by Jason Tesauro.