Developing functional parameters for a science-based vehicle cleaning program to reduce transport of non-indigenous invasive plant species
We have assessed the amount of plant propagules on three different types of vehicle
(tracked, tactical wheeled and civilian pattern) under field conditions over the past
three summers. All vehicles were fitted with global positioning systems and their
location monitored throughout the sampling period, enabling quantification of distance
travelled on and off-road. Vehicles were washed before and after the exercise with
a commercial re-locatable vehicle wash unit and the post exercise soil and other waste
was removed and contained. The waste samples were placed in a greenhouse and Montana
State University, and germination and establishment of all individuals is being recorded
over a 12 month period.
The effectiveness of five commercial re-locatable vehicle wash units was assessed
by driving tracked, tactical wheeled and civilian pattern vehicles around a set course.
The soil and other debris washed off by the different commercial systems after the
different vehicles were driven around the set was contained and stored separately.
Vehicles were meticulously cleaned prior to initiating the experiment, and again
at the end by the US-FS collaborators. The results showed a relatively high cleaning
efficiency for all units on each of the three vehicle types. The efficiencies ranged
from 66% to 95% showing some variability between vehicle types and units.
At the end of the project the evaluation of seed transportation and NIS probability
of occurrence data will be used to develop a NIS management prioritization protocol
for managers. The evaluation of commercial vehicle wash units data has been developed
into a technical report by the USDA Forest Service (see attachments). Overall the
information collected and analyzed as part of this project will reduce the amount
of NIS propagules transported by military vehicles, as well as to minimize the time
and cost of compliance with the Executive Order 13112.
Taylor K, Pollnac F, Brummer T, Mangold J and Rew LJ (2011) Washing vehicles to prevent
weed seed dispersal. MontGuide MT201106AG Montana State University.http://msuextension.org/publications/AgandNaturalResources/MT201106AG.pdf
Taylor K, Mangold J and Rew LJ (2011) Weed seed dispersal by vehicles. MontGuide MT201105AG
Montana State University.http://msuextension.org/publications/AgandNaturalResources/MT201105AG.pdf
More detailed results will be available in the future.
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