Secondary invasion following Japanese knotweed management

Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica), an invasive plant introduced to North America in the late 19th century, disrupts native vegetation and causes erosion along riverbanks. In the Mad River Valley, the Conservation Commissions of Fayston, Waitsfield, and Warren have been collaboratively managing the plant through cutting, digging, and pulling. This study examined plant species establishment in managed plots compared to non-invaded areas. I recorded species richness and abundance in 21 paired plots and found that there are non-native species in areas where Japanese knotweed had been removed than in control areas. These findings highlight the challenges of restoring invaded ecosystems.