Project Machete Update

by Doug Moran
Project MACHETE is an experiment TCTU volunteers are doing w/the DNR's Mark Nemeth. We want to see what methods work for killing the hated buckthorn, while reducing the use of chemicals & the need for a licensed sprayer.
The 3 methods we're testing are as follows.
Method 1-Orange, cut to low stump, treated w/Buckthorn Blaster
Method 2- White, cut to ~3-4 ft above the ground, all branches stripped off, & new growth re-stripped off every 5 -6 months. This is the Critical Period Cutting (CPC) method
Method 3- Green, same as White, but, re-stripping new growth every month. This is a modification of the CPC we're trying based on conversations w/Alex Roth from the FMR.
There was no visit in June due to high water- the Vermillion could not be safely crossed.
On July 12, Mark Nemeth and I safely crossed the river and hit the study area. Here's a few observations:
1. Four of the Orange trees (24%) had resprouting. We think we had missed them or inadequately treated them w/the Buckthorn Blasters. It should be noted that 2 of the trees had single re-sprouts which were dying or very weak looking.
2. All of the White and Orange trees had resprouting. No surprise
3. All the trees had lots of buckthorn seedlings sprouting around them, w/the exception of those that seemed to have been in the flooded areas, where the flooding or new sediment prevented new seedling sprouting.
4. Given #3, it is likely that chemicals will have to be part of any efforts to eradicate buckthorn.

Hope you found this interesting, watch for more to come!! If you want to join in on the August visit, contact me at [email protected]