Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Involving volunteers in control projects requires good planning and coordin-
ation. Three involvement categories have been identifi ed:
1)
One-time events;
2)
Regular working volunteer days;
3)
Independent volunteers that have been trained and certifi ed to monitor
and remove invasive plants in a designated site.
See: Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay (2003). Citizen's guide to the control of
invasive plants in wetland and riparian areas.
http://www.alliancechesbay.org/
Box 7.4
Case study 4: community groups and schools in Australia rally
against a weed of national signifi cance, bridal creeper
A native of South Africa, bridal creeper ((
Asparagus asparagoides
), is now one
of the worst weeds in Australia. It invades and smothers native vegetation and
forms dense mats under the soil surface that can prevent seedlings of native plants
from establishing. It also smothers planted seedlings in forestry areas and in cit-
rus orchards. It is both very diffi cult and costly to control using herbicides and
physical removal. Hence, biological control was identifi ed as a more effective
solution.
Following identifi cation and testing for host specifi city, three biocontrol agents
(the leafhopper
Zygina
spp., the rust fungus
Puccinia myrsiphylli
,
and the leaf
beetle
Criocers
spp.) were released between 1999-2002. A national release pro-
gramme was established in 2002 by the Commonwealth Scientifi c and Industrial
Research Organisation (CSIRO) with funding from the Natural Heritage Trust.
The aim of the programme was to facilitate and accelerate the redistribution of
the leafhopper and rust fungus across the entire range of bridal creeper infest
-
ations. Community groups, landholders, and school students—often with
the involvement of Weedbusters (Fig. 7.6 and 7.7)—have been the key to the
successful implementation of this programme.
Community groups and landholders around Australia have been engaged in
the programme and taught the basic skills to rear, release, and monitor the agents.
Over 2000 release sites have been established by these groups. Many schools across
the country have also been involved in the programme through rearing and releas-
ing the agents at local infested sites under the supervision of experts. Through
their engagement in the programme, students not only learn about weed control
but also gain knowledge and awareness of wider environmental issues, new skills,
a sense of stewardship, and involvement with community organizations.
