Technical Report No. 3
DISTRIBUTION OF SPARTINA ALTERNIFLORA IN PADILLA BAY, WASHINGTON, IN 1991 Sharon Riggs February 1992 |
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Bibliographic Citation
Riggs, Sharon R. 1992. Distribution of Spartina alterniflora in Padilla Bay, Washington, in 1991. Washington State Department of Ecology, Padilla Bay National
Estuarine Research Reserve Technical Report No. 3, Mount Vernon, Washington. 63 pp.
Abstract
The location and areal extent of Spartina alterniflora in Padilla Bay was determined in August and
September of 1991. The field study used survey methods similar to those used by Wiggins and Binney
in 1987. The area of S. alterniflora coverage is increasing in Padilla Bay but is distributed in
the same general areas as it was in 1987. The number of stands increased from 12 (plus Dike Island)
to 18 (plus Dike Island) and the area covered by nine of these stands increased at a rate of 100
m2 per year. The lateral growth in three selected stands ranged from 1.1- 1.7 m/yr. The total area
of S. alterniflora in Padilla Bay in 1991 is 48,100 m2. No evidence of flowers or seeds was found.
S. alterniflora appears to be spreading only vegetatively in Padilla Bay at present. Native
saltmarsh plant species bordering the stands also were recorded in this study.