June 6: knotweed cutting southbound 601; caution

[lauragr...@verizon.net]

Mountain residents,

 

I just want to let you know that on Tuesday, June 6^th (weather permitting) two volunteers—neighbors and an invasives plant specialist volunteer with the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club—will be cutting the large stand of invasive Japanese knotweed that is just north of the entrance to the Appalachian Trail trailhead, along the road and on AT corridor land.  This is along the southbound lane of 601 just north of Route 50. It’s a difficult spot with regard to visibility so I wanted to alert you in advance.

 

This is a necessary step in curbing the spread and controlling this extremely destructive species. Cutting this knotweed colony and controlling the population will improve visibility for drivers since it encroaches on the roadway. We are also communicating with VDOT on a partnership to handle the second phase of control later in the summer. This will be the first year of a multi-year management plan.  The effort involves all Appalachian Trail partners.

 

It’s a good opportunity to become aware and informed about Japanese knotweed which, if a species were to be awarded status of “Worst Global Invasive Terrestrial Plant”---this would be it! Here are a couple good links for background:

Japanese Knotweed | National Invasive Species Information Center

Japanese Knotweed (psu.edu)

 

If you think you may have knotweed on your property, please contact me at lauragr...@verizon.net

I work professionally in invasive plant management (previously in a volunteer capacity) with over ten years’ experience in the field of invasive plants and their control. This includes three years of experience with knotweed management in the James River Park System (City of Richmond).  Control efforts have been extremely successful.

 

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

 

Sincerely,

 

Laura Kitchin Greenleaf