Ecotone was contracted by The Oxbridge Group to create an Invasive Species Management Plan for the Preserve at Rock Creek, located in the Olney area of Montgomery County, Maryland. The approximately 470 acre former farm site contains large areas of forest that will remain and be donated to the County to become part of the contiguous Rock Creek Stream Valley Park. A wide variety of invasive species had colonized large areas of the forest on site, and the Maryland – National Capitol Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) required that measures be taken to control invasive plant species prior to taking over management of the forested areas.



The development of the invasive species management plan used a multi-tiered approach. First, a preliminary site examination was conducted to determine which invasive species were growing on the site. This list was then vetted to determine the potential effect of each species on the health and function of the forest on site, as well as the potential effect on any proposed reforestation areas. Because of the large forest area and high number of invasive species found on the site, a final list of targeted species that were determined to have the highest probability for ecosystem damage was developed to ensure that the project would be feasible and cost effective. The site was then revisited to determine the infestation levels of each species and map those areas. Other considerations in developing the plan included maintaining the historic character of the main farmhouse on the property, coordinating the control approach with M-NCPPC parks staff, and developing supplemental planting schedules for areas where removal of invasive vegetation would reduce forest cover.



The Invasive Species Management Plan for the site was submitted concurrently with the Forest Conservation Plan, and was approved by M-NCPPC. The plan showed Targeted Species Management Areas, proposed reforestation areas and supplemental planting areas, along with detailed management techniques for each species. The plan also included information on preparation, monitoring and maintenance of forest planting and supplemental planting areas to ensure that invasive species will not become re-established in those areas. Implementation of the plan is slated to coincide with the development of the property.