In the first phase of an ongoing project, members of the NWS invasives team began installing new boot brush stations at several trail intersections in Newport State Park. Invasive species control is an issue for most state parks, especially in high public use areas such as hiking trails and campsites.
Often placed at trailheads, boot brush stations serve to educate park users about local invasive species and to hopefully encourage them to remove foreign material, including seeds, that can be stuck on their shoes BEFORE and AFTER their adventure into the forest. Spread prevention measures aim to change behaviors to eliminate even the slightest opportunity for an invasive species to establish. This type of management avoids the costs and time of controlling or eradicating intact infestations.
Some photos from installation day…
