Davey Resource Group Eradicates Invasive Vegetation To Promote Native Growth

Indiana Department Of Natural Resources & Division Of State Parks

In 2023, DRG undertook a project in Indiana Dunes State Park to eradicate invasive vegetation across eight acres, aiming to establish a native oak savanna landscape. Mechanical and herbicide methods were employed, including forestry mowing and manual cutting, with follow-up treatments planned.

Making Way For Native Vegetation

In 2023, Davey Resource Group, Inc. (DRG) secured a project to eradicate invasive and woody vegetation in a designated area within Indiana Dunes State Park, covering about eight acres of mature upland forest, regrowth forest, and shrub thickets. The project aimed to diminish the cover and stem density of invasive shrubs and small trees, fostering the establishment of a native oak savanna landscape. Mechanical control methods and herbicide applications were employed for vegetation removal.

Minimizing Impact While Making Progress

DRG utilized a forestry mower for substantial portions of the task. In inaccessible areas, manual cutting with chainsaws and brushcutters was necessary. Herbicide was applied to cut stumps to prevent regrowth, along with plans for a follow-up foliar application in the spring. Debris removal was managed through shredding and on-site decomposition via forestry mowing and controlled brush pile burning, with a limit of one pile per acre to minimize landscape impact.

Davey Resource Group used several methods to eradicate invasive vegetation at Indiana Dunes State Park to minimize impact to native plants.

Davey Resource Group diminished the cover and stem density of invasive shrubs and small trees to foster the establishment of native oak savanna landscape.

Controlled brush pile burning was used to remove debris on-site.

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