The anchorage soil and water conservation district (ASWCD) has launched an invasive species program and has drafted a plan to develop that program

ASWCD envisions being a leader of a robust anchorage cooperative invasive species management area (ANC cisma) that strategically manages invasive species in anchorage and minimizes their release into alaska. ASWCD has hired a half time invasive species specialist to start up the program and finish the incomplete ANC cisma invasive plant management plan. We aim to fully fund that position and we anticipate hiring seasonal technicians to help with surveys, treatment, restoration, and outreach.a top goal for the ANC cisma is to limit invasive species spread into wild lands beyond the urbanized area of the municipality of anchorage (MOA). To do this strategically, ANC cisma needs up to date information on the distribution and abundance of invasive species on the east side of anchorage near the urban wildland interface that includes the BLM campbell tract. The ANC cisma can then refine treatment priorities based on updated location data and begin restoration of the native vegetation by managing invasive plants using integrated pest management techniques and planting as necessary. ASWCD requests funding assistance for surveys for high priority plant species on lands surrounding the campbell tract, and to manage high priority infestations and actively restore degraded areas. We know that invasive prunus trees had already spread into the wild lands owned by the MOA adjacent to the campbell tract over a decade ago. We believe that eliminating those trees before they degrade riparian habitat and continue their march eastward is a top value activity toward protecting wild lands. A subset of the above survey work is to survey riparian areas adjacent to BLM lands east of elmore road for prunus plants, treat them using manual and chemical methods, and to actively replant native species in areas needing more than recolonization by extant native vegetation. The MOA has requested restoration plans in advance of authorizing treatment, so ASWCD will prepare an adaptable riparian restoration plan and review IT with the MOA. The purpose of the award is to fund staff time and expenses to survey for invasive plants on land surrounding the campbell tract, plan restoration including coordinating with MOA permitters, treat invasive plants using integrated pest management techniques, and actively restore degraded sites.once aswcds invasive species program is set on course, ASWCD professionals will be able and available to assist BLM with restoration work in unserved areas throughout alaska, if needed.