Selected Non-native Plants of Rights-of-Ways (ROWs) in the Southeastern United States and Associated Impacts

摘要

Over thirty species of non-native, herbaceous and semi-woody plants may be present on road,pipeline, and utility rights-of-way (ROWs) in the southeastern United States. The ecological andeconomic impacts of these species vary depending on vegetation competition and colonizationtrends, wildlife food and cover value, and livestock forage value. Some plants, such as annual les-pedezas and clovers, are non-native species that are naturalized in southeastern habitats. Theseplants have value for livestock and wildlife forage, soil stabilization, and soil quality enhancementwith limited negative impacts to natural communities. Because of their growth habits and value,these species are desirable for vegetative reclamation on disturbed sites of ROWs. Some species,such as sericea lespedeza and tall fescue, were originally planted for soil stabilization, but thesespecies have limited value for most species of wildlife and can limit native plant diversity. Ofgreatest concern are the highly invasive introduced plants, such as cogongrass and kudzu. Origi-nally introduced through intentional planting in some areas, these species are now established indense colonies on thousands of hectares of ROWs. After establishment, these species limit nativebiological diversity, degrade wildlife habitat quality, and reduce property values. Colonizationstudies indicate that cogongrass spread is enhanced by management that creates bare soil andtransfers vegetative propagules to new sites. Because of the life strategies of many non-native in-vasive species, newly constructed and maintained ROWs can serve as corridors for dispersal ofthese species. Early detection and integrated pest management are important in the cost-effectivecontrol of invasive perennial plants. Due to economic and ecological impacts of invasive plantspecies, agencies and companies managing ROWs should develop plans to monitor and eradi-cate these species on lands under their jurisdiction.