Title

What Ecosystem Services Do Artificial Wetlands Provide to an Urban Setting?

Document Type

Student Presentation

Presentation Date

4-16-2018

College

School of Public Service

Department

Environmental Studies

Faculty Sponsor

Beau Hansen

Abstract

The Boise River Enhancement Network in cooperation with the Land Trust of the Treasure Valley are working with the City of Boise to improve habitat and restore ecosystem services in the Hyatt Hidden Lakes Reserve. The reserve was originally established to create a thriving native ecosystem in the Treasure Valley. However, invasive species such as cereal rye (Secale cereale) and cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) have undermined that ecosystem, and pose a potential fire hazard to neighboring communities. Efforts are underway to eradicate these invasive species through application of the herbicide Imazapic and restore native habitat to a 12-acre hillside on the site. Our team has been working to evaluate the efficacy of these herbicide treatments, and to evaluate soil composition and air quality in and around the reserve. Test plots subjected to different Imazapic treatments were inventoried and evaluated using the app Survey123 for ArcGIS. Air quality at the site was evaluated using a Met One Aerocet 831 portable air monitor, and soil samples were collected and analyzed with assistance from the Boise State University Earth, Wind, and Fire lab. Preliminary results indicate that the reserve has a positive effect on local air quality and that soil composition is an important contributing factor for successful reestablishment of native plant species in the reserve. Our results will help inform future land management decisions for the reserve, and hopefully improve upon the value the reserve provides to neighboring communities.

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