Invasive Species Control through Combined Methods of Browzing and Prescribed Burning

View the project final report

• 2015 annual report
• 2016 annual report

Commodities

• Animals: goats

Practices

• Pest Management: biological control, flame

Using a replicated trial format the stakeholders compared the effectiveness of individual and combined methods of controlling invasive species in timber by using goat browsing and prescribed burning protocol. The project determined a multi-year and combined controlled methods will achieve a higher level of long-term effectiveness of invasive species in timber stands. However, even combined approaches of control will require a multi-year strategy to achieve desirable levels of control.

Introduction:

The project incorporated the USDA approved methods of goat browsing and prescribed burns to maximize control of invasive species and invigorate native savanna re-growth in multi-use timber stands. An on-farm research/demonstration plot was established for comparing the effectiveness of individual and combined control methods for invasive species in timber.

The project had 2 primary areas of targeted focus:

1. Effective control of invasive species through use of combined control methods.
2. Establish quality regrowth of the Oak Savanna plants and hardwoods.