Reprint Series No. 32

ASSESSING THE EXTENT AND POTENTIAL FOR FURTHER INVASION OF SPARTINA ANGLICA INTO PUGET SOUND SALT MARSHES AND MUDFLATS

Timothy J. Riordan, Jr.

 

December 1999

Bibliographic Citation
Riordan, Timothy J., Jr. 1999. Assessing the extent and potential for further invasion of Spartina anglica into Puget Sound salt marshes and mudflats. Report to the Washington State Department of Ecology (Publication No. 00-06-011), Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Mount Vernon, Washington. 18 pp. Padilla Bay N.E.R.R. Reprint Series No. 32.

Introduction
The invasion of Spartina species into Puget Sound and elsewhere in Washington State is a matter of great concern throughout the region, and has prompted a state-wide eradication effort to rid the state's beaches, tideflats and salt marshes of the non-native plant. Although these efforts are already in full swing, little is actually known about the preferred physical environment for these species in Puget Sound or their effect on species diversity of native marshes.

This study is an effort to improve on the basic knowledge of Spartina anglica and its invasion into Puget Sound. This is accomplished through three tasks: identifying the pattern of the invasion into Puget Sound and mapping its extent, identifying soil characteristics at a variety of infested sites, and documenting the native species diversity at those sites. The information and data resulting from this study will be useful in determining specific biological and physical characteristics of infested and eradicated sites, as well as in directing future investigations on S. anglica and its effects on native marshes.