EDDMapS

County Agent News

Dan Folske

September 26, 2011

EDDMapS
            EDDMapS is a new tool for fighting invasive weeds. EDDMaps or Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System is a new online mapping system for invasive weeds. Anyone can enter reported sightings. These sightings are then verified and added to a database. The database can then be accessed by anyone interested in a particular weed or weeds. Distribution maps of individual weed species can be viewed at a state or county level. In some instances even gps points of individual plants can be viewed.

            The program is a great tool for land managers who are following the principles of Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDDR). By looking at distribution maps we can see when sightings of invasive plants are getting closer to our area and alert people to watch and report possible infestations. By finding invasive weed infestations when they are small we have a good chance or controlling or even eradicating them. Early detection is crucial. For example, Burke County and Burke County landowners spend many thousands of dollars each year fighting leafy spurge with no hope of ever eradicating it. But a few years ago a hiker found Spotted Knapweed near Powers Lake and reported it. The county weed board removed and burned three mature plants with seed and sprayed the area with a residual herbicide to kill any seedlings. I have monitored the site since that time and believe it was successfully eradicated. If it had not been found and reported early it could have become a very serious weed problem.

            Invasive weeds can be a problem for everyone. When they invade cropland there is an obvious economic loss to producers from reduced yields and increased weed control costs. When they invade noncrop areas they can crowd out native plants and in many cases they change the habitat and food sources of wildlife making the areas unusable for our native birds and other wildlife, thus affecting hunters, bird watchers and other outdoorsmen. When invasive plants invade public lands like parks, roads, and refuges it means more of our tax dollars are needed for control at local, state and federal levels.

            Everyone can help! If you spend time outdoors make a point of noticing and learning about the plants you see even if it’s just in your own lawn and garden. By being aware of what is already there you will notice if a new plant species appears. If you see a new plant, find out what it is and report it. You can report it online through EDDMapS or report it to your local weed board or county extension office.

            Currently EDDMapS is online only and must be accessed through a standard web page by a smart phone app is being developed and will soon be released. Then you can make a report through your phone and the GPS in your found will accurately pinpoint the location as you reprt it!

            More information about EDDMapS can be found at http://www.eddmaps.org/

            Over the next few weeks I will be writing about various invasive weeds which are currently found in nearby counties or states but which have not been found in Burke County or which have been found only in a very few locations. Your help in watching for and reporting any sightings of these weeds is greatly appreciated.

            For additional information about invasive weeds contact the Burke County Extension office at 377-2927 or stop at our office in the Burke County Courthouse.