Identification of exotic plants posing a threat to natural communities Prespue Isle State Park Exotic Plant Control Project, no. 88--PSS.04

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Identification of Exotic Plants
Posing a Threat to Natural Communities

Presque Isle State Park
Exotic Plant Control Project
No. 88 - PSS.04

Final Report September 28, 1989

Conducted by

Botany Department
Cleveland Museum of Natural History
Wade Oval, University Circle
Cleveland, Ohio 44106

Funded by
A Grant From

Coastal Zone Management Program
and
Wild Resources Conservation Fund

Submitted to

Bureau of Forestry
Department of Environmental Resources
Post Office Box 1467
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NOAA
COASTAL SERVICES CENTER
2234 SOUTH HOBSON AVENUE
CHARLESTON, SC 29405-2413 PROPERTY OF CSC LIBRARY

Acknowledgements

The Botany Department expresses gratitude to Museum Director
Dr. J. Mary Taylor who approved acceptance of the contract for
this study knowing that the Museum would recover only about one-
third of the projected costs which would be incurred while
conducting the exotic plant mapping project at Presque Isle State
Park. Dr. Taylor supported the project because providing exotic
plant encroachment information to the Bureau of Forestry,
Division of Coastal Zone Management and Bureau of State Parks
falls within the Museum's mission.

The Botany Department also thanks Kathleen McKenna, Bureau
of Forestry, who suggested the project and offered valuable
comments and assistance throughout the duration of the project.

Introduction

The encroachment of exotic plants into rare natural
communities at Presque Isle State Park poses a great threat to
the long-term survival of many rare species and rare natural
communities within the park. This encroachment has been noted by
many researchers during recent years. In particular, the surveys
conducted"by the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and Presque
Isle Audubon Society since 1984 have revealed many cases where
exotic plants appear to be invading natural communities at
Presque Isle. In many parts of the park, this exotic plant
invasion has contributed to reduction and probable loss of some
of the rarest park species and ecosystems.

Choice of which exotic plant species would be mapped for
this study was based primarily on the Museum field work conducted
at the park between May 1985 and August 1988. During the 5-year
study of Presque Isle conducted by the Museum, some natural
communities at Presque Isle, containing high numbers of Plants of
Special Concern in PA, were observed to be more threatened by
exotic plants than others. Exotic plant species were mapped if
they appeared to be encroaching a natural community type which
supports one or several rare plants. Three natural communities
which contain large numbers of rare plant species, the dry sand
plain, the mixed emergent marshes, and palustrine sand plain are
currently being degraded by exotic species encroachment.

Some natural communities containing large numbers of rare
species are not currently showing decline or loss due to exotic
species invasion. The sand dune and dry beach communities are
good examples of communities which do not appear to be currently
threatened by exotic plants. Although exotic species occur on
the dunes and dry beaches, the exotic plants present within both
natural communities cover a minor percentage of the ground
surface in comparison to the native beach and dune species.

Some deep-water aquatic bed communities which occur within
ponds isolated from Lake Erie were also mapped as part of this
study because some very rare POSCIP species occur within them.
one alien species, European water-milfoil (Myriophyllum
spicatum), abundant elsewhere in the park, has not yet invaded
these ponds but poses an obvious threat.

An acetate overlay map was prepared for each exotic plant
species which was found to be invading one of the three following
communities: undifferentiated mixed emergent marsh, dry sand
plain, and palustrine sand plain. Overlay maps showing the most
jeopardized of these three rare community types in the park were
also prepared. Although the dry sand plain is currently
ii.

threatened by only one exotic plant, Japanese bush honeysuckle
(Lonicera morrowi), the undifferentiated mixed emergent marsh and
palustrine sand plain are currently being degraded by more than
one exotic plant species.

The recommendations for managing exotic species encroachment
into a rare community type are ranked numerically prioritizing
specific areas where management is needed most. "Recommendation
Number I" corresponds to "Site Number 1" on the community type
overlay. In most cases "Site Number I" is the highest quality
example of the natural community type most threatened by exotic
species encroachment.

Control of exotic plant species is possible and relatively
inexpensive if control methods are employed at the time when the
species first appears within a natural area. If hybrid cattail
(Typha x glauca) had been recognized several decades ago as an
introduced exotic species and removed, emergent wetlands of the
park would not now be covered by acres of this introduced
species. Control of hybrid cattail at Presque Isle would require
a large financial commitment because the hybrid was not removed
when it first entered the park.

Some of the exotic species identified at Presque Isle for
this report have obviously made recent entries into the park.
These more recent exotics, including European buckthorn (Rhamnus
frangula), leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula), and reed canary grass
(Phalaris arundinacea) have proven to be disastrous invaders in
nearby regions of the country. Their limited invasion within the
park would make control of them now both possible and reasonably
inexpensive.

Table of Contents

Background 1

Study Methodology 5

Exotic Species Mapped 6

Mixed Emergent Marsh 7

Dry Sand Plain 10

Palustrine Sand Plain 12

Aquatic Bed 14

Miscellaneous Exotic Species 16

Bibliography 17

Appendix 20

iv.

Background

Sixty species listed as Plants of Special Concern in
Pennsylvania (POSCIP) have been documented at Presque Isle State
Park by the Botany Department of the Cleveland Museum of Natural
History during the 1985 through 1989 field seasons. Three
hundred and eighty (380) occurrences of the 60 species have been
mapped. These rare plant maps, combined with the 1987 draft
community map, and exotic species maps based upon field surveys
for this report were used to prepare the community type overlay
maps. (See methodology below).

The sixty POSCIP species reported from Presque Isle are
found in the following six plant communities:
1. Palustrine Sand Plain
2. Dry Sand Plain
3. Dunes and Dry Beaches
4. Ponds
5. Mixed Emergent Marshes
6. Shrub Swamp

1. Palustrine Sand Plain

The palustrine sand plain is a moist, sparsely vegetated sandy
flat. Standing water is often present in the spring. The water
table often drops below the surface during the summer. Typical
sand plain species includes: Juncus articulatus, Juncus '
balticus, Juncus alpinus, Cyperus rivularis, Cyperus flavescens,
Agalinis paupercula, Carex viridula, Carex garberi, and Hypericum
maius. This rare community type, shown in pink on the base map..
is threatened by several alien species including Phragmites
australis, Typha x glauca, Lonicera morrowi, and Phalaris
arundinacea.

Twenty-six (26) POSCIP species were documented within the
palustrine sand plain:

Agalinis pauvercula Tentatively Undetermined
Aster dumosus Tentatively Undetermined
Carex bebbii Endangered
Carex garberi Endangered
Carex lasiocarpa Tentatively Undetermined
Carex viridula Endangered
Cyperus diandrus Threatened
Cyperus odoratus Tentatively Undetermined
Cyperus engelmannii Threatened
Eleocharis elliptica Endangered
Eleocharis intermedia Threatened
Eleocharis olivacea Tentatively Undetermined
1.

Palustrine Sand Plain (continued)
Eleocharis pauciflora Endangered
Equisetum variegatum Endangered
Hemicarpha micrantha Endangered
Hypericum maius Threatened
Juncus alpinus Threatened
Juncus balticus Rare
Juncus biflorus Tentatively Undetermined
Juncus brachycephalus Rare
Juncus torrevi Threatened
Lathyrus palustris Tentatively Undetermined
Lobelia kalmii Endangered
Potentilla anserina Threatened
Potentilla paradoxa Endangered
'Scirpus smithii Endangered

2. Dry Sand Plain

The dry sand plain is an open, dry grassland usually dominated by
Sorghastrum nutans, Panicum virgatum, and Andropogon scoparius.
Other species common in the sand plain include: Carex
muhlenbergii, Carex tonsa, Rumex acetosella and Dichanthelium
sabulorum. Japanese bush honeysuckle Monicera morrowi) has
invaded much of this community within the park.

Six POSCIP species are found on the dry sand plain:

Dichanthelium sabulorum Threatened
Digitaria cognatum Rare
Geranium bicknellii Tentatively Undetermined
Lithospermum caroliniense Endangered
Lupinus perennis Rare
Opuntia humifusa Rare

3. Dunes

Sand dunes and drift beaches at Presque Isle support nine POSCIP
species. AmmoDhila breviligulata and Populus deltoides are the
most frequent dune builders, but in some areas Panicum virgatum,
Andropogon scoparius and Elymus canadensis are important dune
builders. Active dunes at Presque Isle are best developed from
the Light House eastward to the tip of Gull Point. Compared to
other significant communities harboring rare plants within the
park, the sand dunes and drift beaches are currently not greatly
threatened by exotic species encroachment. The single clone of
Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum), mapped at Sunset Point,
has not increased during five years of observation.

Nine POSCIP species occur within the dunes and drift beaches at
Presque Isle:

Ammophila breviligulata Threatened
Artemisia campestris ssp. caudata Endangered
Cakile edentula Rare
Chamaesyce polygonifolia Threatened
Cyperus schweinitzii Rare
Lathyrus iaponicus Threatened
Ptelea trifoliata Rare
Sporobolus cryptandrus Rare
Triplasis purpurea Endangered

4. Ponds

This plant community is found along the bay shoreline and within
open ponds in the interior sections of the park. The ponds which
have well developed aquatic beds are sometimes sparsely covered
with Nuphar advena, Nymphaea odorata, Brasenia schreberi and
Potamogeton natans. The overlay map for this community shows
some ponds isolated from Lake Erie. Three of the POSCIP species
listed below, Naias gracillima, Myriophyllum heterophyllum, and
Myriophyllum verticillatum which occur within these ponds could
be threatened by the accidental introduction of Myriophyllum
spicatum.

Eleven (11) POSCIP species documented within the aquatic beds
are:

Megalodonta beckii Endangered
Naias gracillima Tentatively Undetermined
Myriophyllum heterophyllum Endangered
Myriophyllum verticillatum Endangered
Potamogeton perfoliatus Tentatively Undetermined
Potamogeton richardsonii Endangered
Potamogeton zosteriformis Tentatively Undetermined
Ranunculus longirostris Endangered
Utricularia gibba Tentatively Undetermined
Utricularia intermedia Tentatively Undetermined
Utricularia minor Tentatively Undetermined

5. Mixed Emergent Marshes

The emergent wetland complex includes Typha swamp, Carex meadows,
Calamagrostis marshes, non-persistent Nuphar-Nvmphaea-Pontederia
marshes and Acer-Quercus-Nvssa-Cephalanthus savannahs with
extensive mixed herbaceous marsh openings. Hybrid cattail (Typha
x glauca) and common reed grass (Phragmites australis) have'
aggressively invaded much of this community type within the park.
The community type is shown in green'on the base map.

Nine POSCIP species were documented within the Mixed Emergent
Marsh community type:

Acorus americanus Endangered
Carex aquatilis Threatened
Carex Pseudocyperus Endangered
Cladium mariscoides Threatened
Eleocharis quadrangulata Endangered
Polygonum amphibium stipulaceum Tentatively Undetermined
Scirpus acutus Endangered
Scirpus fluviatilis Rare
Zizania aguatica Rare

Shrub Swamp

Shrub swamps within the park are often dominated by pure stands
of Cephalanthus occidentalis. Mixed shrub swamps dominated by
mixtures of Cephalanthus, Vaccinium corymbosum, Viburnum
recognitum, Ilex verticillatum, Alnus rugosa, Cornus obliqua, and
Rosa nalustris also occur frequently within the park. The
single POSCIP species, Salix gracilis, found in the shrub swamps
within the park is not currently threatened by any exotic
species.

Single POSCIP species found within the shrub swamps at Presque
Isle:

Salix gracilis Tentatively Undetermined

Study Methodology

Base Map Preparation:

The draft 1987 Presque Isle State Park Natural Community
Map, prepared by the Museum and Western PA Conservancy for the
Coastal Zone Management and Bureau of Forestry, provided a base
upon which exotic species could be mapped by Museum staff. At
the onset of this study, the draft Natural Communities Map from
the Presque Isle State Park: Botanical Survey and Natural
Community Classification, December 1987 was reduced and revised.
The draft natural communities map was reduced from 24" by 36" to
11" by 17" format for the purposes of the 1988-89 exotic species
survey. The 1987 Natural Communities Map was altered to
correspond to the USGS 7 and 1/2 minute topographic maps (scale
1:24,000) and aerial photographs from the Corps of Engineers
(scale 1:4,800).

Broad groupings of natural community types are shown on the
base map for this report. Significant areas within those
communities being encroached by alien species are shown on the
overlays.

Overlay Maps:

Exotic species overlay maps were compiled from exotic
species cover maps made in the field. The exotic species field
maps were made by marking approximate cover of each exotic
species onto Xerox copies of April 1986 aerial photographs
obtained from the Corps of Engineers (scale: 1:4800). The color
photographs were taken into the field while mapping the exotic
species onto the Xerox copies. Acetate overlay maps for each
exotic species mapped were prepared by combining all the field
Xerox copies.

Acetate overlay maps showing the best park occurrences of
rare natural communities being invaded were also prepared. These
overlay maps are based upon the 1987 draft Natural Community Map,
concentration of POSCIP species determined from the 1985 through
1989 surveys and degree of invasion by exotic species.

Exotic Species Mapped

Alnus glutinosa

Betula Pendula

Celastrus orbiculatus

Epilobium hirsutum

Euphorbia 6sula

Lonicera iaponica

Lonicera morrowi

Lythrum salicaria

Myriophyllum spicatum

Phalaris arundinaceae*

Phragmites australis*

Polygonum cuspidatum

Rhamnus frangula

Typha angustifolia

Typha x qlauca

Virburnum opulus var opulus

*Although these species are native to the U.S., many regional
ecologists assume the strains now encroaching into area wetlands
are probably European in origin.

Mixed Emergent Marsh - General Discussion

Hybrid cattail (Typha x glauca) is obviously the greatest
threat to emergent marshes within the park. It has invaded many
acres of the open, mixed emergent marsh communities at Presque
Isle State Park. To a lesser degree phragmites (Phragmites
australis) has also invaded the open, diverse emergent marshes at
Presque Isle. Other exotic invaders of the mixed emergent
marshes include purple loosestrife (Lythrum. salicaria) and hairy
willow-herb (Evilobium hirsutum).

Open emergent marshes at Presque Isle with small amounts of
or no hybrid cattail and/or phragmites typically contain high
quality common tussock sedge (Carex stricta) and/or water sedge
(Carex aquatilis). Where hybrid cattail and/or phragmites has
invaded large sections of emergent marshes at Presque Isle, the
former stands of common tussock sedge and/or water sedge has been
reduced or eliminated. Within the largest stand of hybrid
cattail in the park, along the southeastern basin of Niagara
Pond, the common tussock sedge and water sedge stands have been
eliminated. The previous existence of common tussock sedge
and/or water sedge can be ascertained from examining the evenly
spaced large peat hummocks now covered by hybrid cattail. These
peat hummocks are artifacts produced by the growth of common
tussock sedge or water sedge.

If the spread of hybrid cattail into diverse common tussock
sedge-water sedge marshes is not curtailed through management,
hybrid cattail will likely eliminate water sedge from the flora
of Pennsylvania since emergent marshes at Presque Isle State Park
are the only place in Pennsylvania where water sedge is known to
grow. The virtual elimination of common tussock sedge-water
sedge marshes by hybrid cattail at Presque Isle could take place
within the next several decades.

Other mapped exotic species which appear to pose a threat to
emergent marshes at Presque Isle include: hairy willow herb
(Epilobium hirsutum) and purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria).
Neither of the latter two plants have replaced the emergent
marshes to the extent that hybrid cattail and phragmites have.
Herbarium records show that purple loosestrife has been in the
park since 1916.

Recommendations:

Mixed Emergent Marshes - Site 1:
Map Set Number 1

This community along the north and south shores of Dead Pond
within the eastern basin of the pond is both the best assemblage
of mixed emergent marsh POSCIP species in the park and the most
threatened by exotic species. The emergent marsh within the
eastern basin of the pond contains the largest park stand of
Eleocharis quadrangulata, the finest park stand of Scirpus
acutus, a fine stand of Carex aquatilis, and the only remaining
park stand of Cladium mariscoides. The Cladium mariscoides
population within the basin has 58 culms. This fine complex of
emergent POSCIP species is being invaded from the west by
Phragmites australis and Typha x glauca. --'-lie aquatic form of
Roundup (Rhodeo) should be hand applied Lo the aerial culms of
the invading phragmites and hybrid cattail. In similar wetlands
in Ohio, staff members of the Division of Natural Areas and
Preserves, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, have used cotton
socks to hand-apply to the aerial portions of cattail a 50 %
solution of Rhodeo. The applicators have worn chemical resistent
rubber gloves. A recommendation is to set up a 5 meter by 5
meter test plot along the advancing edge of the phragmites stand
where some of the Cladium mariscoides culms occur.

Mixed Emergent Marsh - Site 2
Map Set Number 1

Site 2 on the Mixed Emergent Marsh overlay map, situated
within the wetland basin west of Yellow Bass Pond, is the largest
Carex stricta - Carex aquatilis sedge marsh in the park where
there has been relatively little invasion by Phragmites australis
and Typha x glauca. The Typha x glauca exotic species overlay
map shows a massive area east of Yellow Bass Pond where Typha x
glauca has invaded along the southern and western sections of the
Niagara Pond Basin. The recommendation for Site 2 is to never
allow the invasion of Typha x-glauca or Phragmites australis into
the Basin. A stewardship crew should be sent into the basin no
less than every five years. Any Typha x glauca or Phragmites,
australis established should be removed through digging or hand
application of Rhodeo as recommended for Dead Pond.

Mixed Emergent Marsh - Site 3
Map Set Number 1

These mixed emergent marshes located southwest of the Beach
11 parking area and northwest of the northwest shore of Horseshoe
Pond contain some of the finest populations of Carex aquatilis
within the park. As shown on the exotic species overlay maps,
8.

small populations of Phragmites australis and Typha x glauca have
established along the edges of these high quality Carex aquatilis
marshes. If the Phragmites australis and Typha x glauca control
methods prove successful within Dead Pond, the same method of
control should be used in the Site 3 marshes.

Mixed Emergent Marsh - Site 4
Map Set Number 1

The Carex aquatilis stand at Site 4 has been mapped as an
important site to monitor. Long-term observation of this Carex
aquatilis stand, flanked by Typha x glauca, will reveal how well
Carex aquatilis withstands competition from Typha x glauca.

Mixed Emergent Marsh - Site 5
Map Set Number 1

Reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) is now confined
primarily to emergent marshes and palustrine sand plains along
the neck of the peninsula adjacent to the shores of Presque Isle
Bay. Although reed canary grass has not yet invaded the open
emergent wetlands within the Ecological Reservation, the species
has demonstrated the ability to invade and diminish the diversity
of emergent marshes in the southwestern basin of Lake Erie.

Site 5 appears to be a vanguard stand of reed canary grass
in the park. As the reed canary grass map shows, this species
currently occurs from Site 5 southward along the bay side of the
peninsula. If possible this species should be removed from the
park before it moves further north into the Ecological
Reservation. Control of this species should begin at Site 5 and
proceed to the other mapped areas for the grass south of Site 5.

General Discussion - Dry Sand Plain

A single exotic species, Japanese bush-honeysuckle (Lonicera
morrowi), currently poses the greatest threat to dry sand plains
at Presque Isle State Park. Another exotic, Japanese knotweed
(Polygonum cuspidatum), has established at a few sites within the
dry sand plain.

Dry sand plains at Presque Isle are found on sandy ridges
inland from the active dune areas, along the eastern section of
Long Ridge and in some level, sandy openings on the neck of the
peninsula. Dry sand plains are open, dry sandy often sparsely
vegetated grassland usually dominated by indian grass
(Sorghastrum nutans), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), and little
bluestem (Andropogon scoparius). Bayberry (Myrica pensylvania)
shrubs are often scattered on dry sand plains within the
northeastern section of the park's Ecological Reservation.

POSCIP species found within the Dry Sand Plain include hairy
puccoon (Lithospermum caroliniense), lupine (Lupinus perennis),
and panic grass (Dichanthelium sabulorum var. patulum).

Recommendations:

Dry Sand Plain - Site 1
Map Set Number 2

The dry sand plain on both sides of PA 832 south of Beach 9
has become choked with Japanese bush-honeysuckle (Lonicera
morrowi). This species has virtually eliminated native plant
species in several areas of the dry sand plain at the site.
Mowing, car traffic and foot traffic from park visitors has
curtailed the invasion of the bush-honeysuckle adjacent to PA Rt.
832 east of the Light House. Possible control methods for this
species could be extension of the area of mowing followed by
hand-pulling. Another control method for the Japanese bush-
honeysuckle could be the application of the herbicide Roundup
with a wick-type applicator.

Japanese bush-honeysuckle has invaded other sand plains
within the park. If control of the species were successful along
PA Rt. 832 at Beach 9, the methods should be used in other parts
of the park.

Dry Sand Plain - Site 2
Map Set Number 2

Control of leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) within a dry sandy
opening located approximately .1 mile west of the northwest shore
10.

of Graveyard Pond should be attempted. Thus far, this exotic has
not been found anywhere else in the park. According to Heidel,
1982, this species is extremely difficult to eradicate and does
not respond to herbicide application. Perhaps a black sheet of
heavy polyethylene could be placed over the leafy spurge during
the growing season as a possible method of control. Park
visitors are not apt to enter the area where the spurge was found
growing.

Dry Sand Plain and Open Beach - Site 3
Map Set Number 2

The small stands of Japanese knotweed (Poly2onum cuspidatum)
should be removed from the dry sand plain - open beach located
just north of PA 832 at Sunset Point and adjacent to the Light
House. The other mapped occurrences of Japanese knotweed are not
located within a natural community which supports Plants of
special Concern In Pennsylvania.

Palustrine Sand Plain - General Discussion

The palustrine sand plain community contains more rare
plants than any other community in the park. This community,
marked in pink on the base map, occurs on open to partially
shaded low-relief, moist sandy flats within the park. Phragmites
(Phragmites australis) poses the greatest threat to the
palustrine sand plain, especially within the Gull Point area of
the Ecological Reservation. To a lesser extent, Japanese bush-
honeysuckle, hairy willow-herb (Epilobium hirsutum), and hybrid
cattail pose threats to this community.

Many of the rarest species within this community are not
present in the park every year. Some of these infrequently seen
species are stored in the moist sandy or peaty substrates beneath
the water surface of the interior ponds and Presque Isle Bay
during periods of high Lake Erie water levels. The long term
storage of some species within substrates is known as the seed
bank. When the level of Lake Erie goes through a period of
lowering, these seed bank species appear on the newly exposed
low-relief shorelines along interior ponds and Presque Isle Bay.
For some species at Presque Isle such as (Eleocharis pauciflora)
and (Eleocharis caribaea), another seed bank phenomenon has been
observed to take place. At Presque Isle the latter two species
appeared when the level of Lake Erie reached record highs during
1985 and 1986. Both species disappeared from the park in 1988
when the level of Lake Erie fell two feet below the 1985-86
levels.

Recommendations:

Palustrine Sand Plain - Site 1
Map Set Number 3

Phragmites is spreading into and eliminating the palustrine
sand plain throughout much of Gull Point. Bulldozing, following
the breeding season for birds, may be the only method for
controlling the phragmites at Gull Point. This method not only
removes the phragmites but also exposes open, level, moist, bare
sand plains required by the many rare Palustrine Sand Plain
species.

Palustrine Sand Plain - Site 2
Map Set Number 3

The palustrine sand plain located north and south of the
mouth of the bay at this site should be closely monitored for
encroachment from three nearby exotic plants: hairy willow-herb
(Epilobium hirsutum), purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), and
12.

hybrid cattail (Typha x glauca). The palustrine sand plain which
appears at this site during low water stages of Lake Erie seed
banks the only Smith's bulrush (Scirpus smithii) thus far located
at Presque Isle. This Endangered species in Pennsylvania is also
listed as Endangered in Ohio. Smith's bulrush is an annual which
can remain viable within water-covered sediments for long periods
of time. Prior to discovery of four specimens of Smith's bulrush
at this palustrine sand plain on October 13, 1988 the species was
last reported for the park in 1926. During the high levels of
Lake Erie in 1985 and 1986 this site was covered by approximately
two (2) feet of water.

A large stand of hairy willow-herb has established on the
palustrine sand plain south of the bay mouth at Site 2. This
population should be removed by pulling or digging with a shovel.
Extensive stands of purple loosestrife and hyrbrid cattail occur
adjacent to the site. If either or both of the latter species
invades the palustrine sand plain where the Smith's bulrush has
been found, they should be removed. Disturbance of the sparsely
vegetated sandy surface through the process of digging exotics
should promote Smith's bulrush since it grows upon bare or
sparsely vegetated, moist sandy flats.

Palustrine Sand Plain - Site 3
Map Set 3

Long term maintenance of the trail flat where few-flowered
spike-rush (Eleocharis pauciflora) and Caribbean spike-rush
(Eleocharis caribaea) occur in the park is crucial to the long
term survival of both species in Pennsylvania. (This is the only
site where either species grows in Pennsylvania.) These two seed
bank species grow on the trail flat only during high Lake Erie
water levels such as occurred during 1985 and 1986. As with most
of the 26 POSCIP species found within the Palustrine Sand Plain,
few flowered spike-rush and Caribbean spike-rush tolerate foot
traffic along the trail. The same foot traffic prevents entry of
the nearby hybrid cattail during periods of high lake levels.
When the level of Lake Erie dropped in 1988, both species
disappeared from the trail flat.

13.

General Discussion - Aquatic Bed and Non-persistent Marsh
Map Set Number 4

One exotic submersed aquatic plant, European water-milfoil
(Myriophyllum spicatum), poses a great threat to submersed
aquatic plants listed as POSCIP species in Pennsylvania. Based
upon examination of herbarium specimens, European water-milfoil
first appeared at Presque Isle in 1950. Soon after European
water-milfoil entered the lake waters surrounding Presque Isle, a
native water milfoil, American water-milfoil (Myriophyllum
exalbescens) disappeared from the park. All interior ponds at
Presque Isle which have large channel connections to Lake Erie
contain large populations of European water-milfoil. Three
interior ponds: Ridge, Niagara, and Meander, with little or no
connection to Lake Erie currently harbor two water milfoil
species, variegated water milfoil (Myriophyllum yariegatum) and
broad-leaf water-milfoil (Myriophyllum herterophyllum). Both
species are listed as Endangered in Pennsylvania by the
Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory. Broad-leaved water-
milfoil is a southern species known from one other site in
Pennsylvania. Variegated water-milfoil is a northern species
known to occur at two other sites in Pennsylvania.

Aquatic Bed - Site 1
Map Set Number 4

The large population of broad-leaf water-milfoil in Ridge
Pond should never be exposed to competition from European water-
milfoil as a result of dredging a channel from Ridge Pond to any
pond which connects to Lake Erie. In addition, any researchers
who carry equipment or canoes from Grave Yard Pond or Big Pond
into Ridge Pond should be careful not to accidentally transport
any pieces of European water-milfoil into Ridge Pond. European
water-milfoil normally spreads from one body of water to another
as fragments attached to boat motors or anchors.

Aquatic Bed - Site 2
Map Set Number 4

Niagara Pond has a large population of large-leaf water-
milfoil and no European water-milfoil. In order to prevent
movement of European water-milfoil from Misery Bay into Niagara
Pond, no large culverts should be placed beneath PA Rt. 832
between Misery Bay and Niagara Pond. Anyone who takes a canoe or
equipment into Niagara Pond should be careful not to transport
any fragments of European water-milfoil into Niagara Pond.

14.

Aquatic Bed Site 3
Map Set Number 4

Meander Pond, the narrow body of water east of the east
shore of Horse Shoe Pond contains the only park site for
variegated water-milfoil. European water milfoil is abundant
within the open waters of Horseshoe Pond. A channel should never
be dredged between the waters of Meander Pond and Horseshoe Pond
because such a channel would allow European water-milfoil to
enter Meander Pond. As with Ridge Pond and Niagara Pond, anyone
taking a canoe or equipment from ponds connected to Lake Erie
into Meander Pond should be cautioned not to accidentally
transport any scraps of European water-milfoil.

15.

General Discussion - Miscellaneous Exotic Species Map
Map 5

Five exotic species were mapped because they may pose a
threat to POSCIP species in the near future.

The single occurrence of European buckthorn (Rhamnus
frangula) should be eradicated from the park as soon as possible.
This species has degraded many rare natural communities within
nearby northeastern Ohio and could enter the Palustrine Sand
Plain or Dry Sand Plain at Presque Isle.

The Chinese bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) has choked
several sections of the cottonwood savannah forests within the
vicinity of the Park Administration Building. This species could
spread into the Ecological Reservation.

European alder (Alnus glutinosa) has become established
within several shrub swamps along the neck of the peninsula.
This species tends to form dense thickets and will probably
spread into the Ecological Reservation.

European high-bush cranberry (Viburnum opulus var. opulus)
has become well established within shrub swamps on the neck of
the peninsula and there are a few occurrences of this species
within the Ecological Reservation.

European white birch (Betula pendula) has become well
established within the cottonwood forests between the Beach 11
parking area and the east shore of Misery Bay. This species
produces allelopathins in the soil. Continued spread of this
species in the park could eventually pose a threat to the
Palustrine Sand Plains in the park.

16.

Bibliography

Andres, L.A. 1977. The economics of biological control of
weeds. Aquat. Bot. 3:11-113.

Apfelbaum, Steven L. 1985. Cattail (Typha spp.) Management.
Natural Areas Journal 5(3):9-17.

Bedford, B.L., E.H. Zimmerman, and J.H. Zimmerman. 1974. The
wetlands of Dane County, Wisconsin. Dane County Regional
Planning Commission, Madison, WS. 581 pp. (Control of
Phalaris arundinacea, Typha spp.)

Bonasera J.J., and M.A. Leck. 1978. An allelopathy study of
marsh plants and soils. Bull. N.J. Acad. Sci. 23(2):83.

Bratton, S.P. 1982 The effects of exotic plant and animal
species on nature preserves. Natural Areas Journal 2(3):3-
13.

Croizat, L. 1945. Euphorbia esula in North America. American
Midland Naturalist 33:231-243.
Decker, Daniel J. a@d Jody W. Enck, eds., Exotic Plants with
Identified Detrimental Impacts on Wildlife Habitats in New
Your State. The Exotic Plant Committee of the New York
Chapter - The Wildlife Society, Cornell Cooperative
Extension, New York State College of Agriculture and Life
Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York-. Series 29,
July 1987. (Phragmites australis, Lythrum salicaria,
Myriophyllum spicatum)

Dewey, Sharon L. 1986. Effects of the Herbicide Atrazine on
Aquatic Insect Community Structure and Emergence. Ecology
67(l):148-162.

Ebinger, John E. 1983. Exotic Shrubs, A Potential Problem in
Natural Area Management in Illinois. Natural Areas Journal
5(l):3-5.

Hanna, Jack. 1989. Purple Invader. Seasons, Federation of
Ontario Naturalists 29(2)20-23.

Harberg, M.C. and T. Modde. 1985. Feeding behavior, food
consumption, growth, and survival of hybrid grass carp in 2
South Dakota ponds. N. Am. J. Fish Manageme. 5:457-464.

Harty, Francis M. 1986. Exotics and Their Ecological
Ramifications. Natural Areas Journal 6(4):20-26.

17.

Haslam, S.M. 1973. Some aspects of the life history and
autecology of Phragmites communis Trin. A review. Pol.
Arch. Hydrobiol. 20:79-100.

Heidel, Bonnie. 1982. Leafy spurge - a challenge in natural
areas management. Natural Areas Journal 2(2):10-13.

Howard, R., D.G. Rhodes and J.W. Simmers. 1978. A review of the
biology and potential control techniques for Phragmites
australis. Internal Working document D-78-26, Dredged
Material Research Program, Environmental Laboratory, U.S.
Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS.
78 pp.

Nichols, S.A., and B.H. Shaw. 1983. Review of management
tactics for integrated aquatic weed management of Eurasian
water-milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), curly-leaf pondweed
(Potamogeton crispus), and elodea (Eleodea canadensis).
Pages 181-192 in J. Taggart and L. Moore, eds. Proc. 2nd
Ann. Conf. of the N.Am. Lake Manage. Soc. Vancouver, BC.
26-29 Oct.

Rawinski, T.J., and R.A. Malecki. 1984. Ecological
relationships among purple loosestrife, cattail and wildlife
at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. N.Y. Fish Game
Journal 31:81-87.

Reuter, D. Dayton. 1985. Etfects of seasonal cutting, torching
and prescribed burning on hydrophytic shrubs in a central
Wisconsin sedge meadow wetland. Master's thesis, University
of Wisconsin, Madison, WS. 94 pp.

Reuter, D. Dayton. 1986. Sedge Meadows of the Upper Midwest: A
Stewardship Summary. Natural Areas Journal (6)4:27-34.

Shamsi, S.R.A., and F.H. Whitehead. 1977b. Comparative eco-
physiology of Epilobium hirsutum L. and Lythrum salicaria
L. 4. Effects of temperature and interspecific competition
and concluding discussion. J. Ecol. 65:71-84.

Thompson, Daniel Q., R.L. Stuckey, E.B. Thompson. 1982. Spread,
Impact and Control of Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)
in North American Wetlands. Fish and Wildlife Research 2,
United States Department of the Interior, Washington, DC.
55 pp.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1982. Spread of Eurasian water-
milfoil into the Great Lakes. Research Information Bulletin
No. 82-8.

18.

Wilcox, D.A., S.I. Apfelbaum, and R. Hiebert. 1984. Cattail
invasion of sedge meadows following hydrologic disturbance
in the Cowles Bog Wetland Complex, Indiana Dunes National
Lakeshore. J. Soc. of Wetlands Scientists 4:115-128.

19.

0
1 -

0 APPENDIX

20. 1
0

Key to Base Map
for
1989 Exotic Plant Survey

Undifferentiated Mixed Emergent Marsh
including TYpha marshes, mixed Carex
Calamagrostis marshes, and Acer-Quqercus-Nyssa-
Cephalanthus savannahs with extensive mixed
herbaceous marsh openings.

Dry Sand Plain
Open, dry, sandy often sparsley vegetated
grassland usually dominated by Sorghastrum
nutans, Panicum virgatum, and Andropogon
scoparius.

Palustrine Sand Plain
Moist, sparsely vegetated sandy flats. Standing
water is present in the spring.

Undifferentiated Lacustrine, Palustrine Ponds and
Non-persisten Nuphar-Nymphaea-Piatederua marshes.
Includes mixed aquatic bed communities, non-
persistent marshes and open waters of Lake Erie.

Calamagrostis canadensis Communities
Includes all communities with Calamagrostis
canadensis as the dominant understory.

Great Lakes Broadleaf Sandplain Forest
Populus deltoides sandy loam forest with various
mixtures of Salix fraqilis and Robinia
pseudoacacia.

Mixed Hardwood Forest
Includes all Acer rubrum-Ouercus borealis-Ouercus-
velutina-Prunus serotina-Fraxinus americana-
Sassafras albidum forest communities on old dune
ridges. No Poscip species occur within this
community.

Undifferentiated Swamp Forests and Shrub Swamps

Undifferentiated open Sand Dune and open Beach.

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