City of Bowie Invasive Species Management Study

Project Description

As Maryland’s 5th largest city, Bowie covers about 18 square miles of land in northeastern Prince George’s County. Many important natural resources are either contained within or are adjacent to the City’s boundaries. Large park areas can be found within the City, while the Patuxent River, the National Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, and Belt Woods National Natural Landmark are all within a half mile of its boundaries. All of these sensitive natural features are threatened by invasive plant species.

In 2007, recognizing the economic, social, and ecological benefits of a healthy environmental infrastructure network of forests, parks, and open space, the City of Bowie crafted an Environmental Infrastructure Action Strategy Plan to protect and enhance existing natural resources and amenities.

To help the City meet the goals of the Environmental Infrastructure Action Strategy Plan, Biohabitats conducted an Invasive Species Management Study for 328 acres of city-owned parcels throughout the City. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the extent to which invasive species are located on the parcels and to recommend strategies for managing invasive species to achieve successful afforestation and improved forest condition. The study provided the City with 1) an assessment of and prioritization for control of invasive plant concentrations within the study area, 2) the current intervention methodologies available for allocating limited invasive suppression resources, and 3) the budget required to
conduct an effective invasive species management plan. Study tasks included an assessment of invasive species, evaluation of site conditions, site prioritization, operational review of City policies and practices, short- and long-term maintenance recommendations, and planning-level cost estimates for their implementation.