As a leading natural resource management company specializing in ecological restoration, coastal stabilization, and environmental rehabilitation, Crawford Land Management is committed to providing the highest quality of service to our clients. One way we do this is by continuing to pursue opportunities to further educate our staff to stay up-to-date with the latest industry knowledge. This allows us to implement best practices into our existing processes when working on projects in the field.
An important area in which we have focused our team is invasive plant management.
Invasive Plant Management Course hosted by University of Massachusetts Amherst Extension
Recently, several Crawford Land Management field technicians completed the Invasive Plant Certification Program hosted through the University of Massachusetts Amherst Extension. It provided in-depth knowledge about the threats posed by invasive species and how to effectively manage them. This course has been hosted for many years, and all of our field technicians have taken the course, although this is the last year it was being offered. The course was divided into four classes, which covered the following topics:
Principles and Fundamentals of Weed Science
The first class covered weed biology, weed ecology, herbicide modes-of-action, herbicide timings, and more. It was a critical first step in the development of a weed or invasive plant management program, as it explained how weeds work and why they’re a problem so we can better determine how best to manage them
State Regulations Pertaining to Invasive Plant Management
The second class covered state regulations, including the Wetlands Protection Act, the Rivers Protection Act, and pesticide regulations. This was important for our field technicians to be educated on, as regulations that govern certain aspects of invasive plant management can be different from regular plant management. We encounter this regularly in our work, as many of the jobs we work on are in sensitive wetland resource areas.
The Invasive Plant Issue and Invasive Plant Identification
The third class discussed the strategies and recommendations of the Massachusetts Invasive Plant Advisory Group, as well as the Early Detection/Rapid Response Priority List. Our team enhanced their ability to identify common invasive plants as well as their look-alikes after taking this class, which makes our crews’ time in the field more efficient and more effective.
Developing an Invasive Plant Management Program
The fourth and final class was focused on developing and implementing an invasive plant management program. It covered management tips and strategies, herbicide selection and timing, non-chemical strategies, and ways to avoid common program pitfalls. This helped CLM align our current strategies with current industry knowledge.
The value of ongoing education
Invasive plant management is a critical aspect of natural resource management, and it is essential to stay informed on the latest techniques and regulations. Crawford Land Management's investment in the education of its staff demonstrates our commitment to providing high-quality service and staying ahead of the curve in the industry.
If you are in need of invasive plant management services, you can trust Crawford Land Management to provide you with the best solutions. Contact Crawford Land Management today to learn more about how we can help you protect your property and the environment.
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