Transplanting Following Non-Native Plant Control in Rocky Mountain Foothills Fescue Grassland Restoration

Transplanting native plants with well-developed root systems (10–15 cm) significantly improves survival and growth in Rocky Mountain foothills fescue grassland restoration, outperforming shallow-rooted tray transplants. Research at three sites in Waterton Lakes National Park demonstrated that glyphosate-based non-native plant control enhanced transplant success, while rhizomatous forbs and bunchgrasses exhibited the highest persistence (>50% over 14 months). Though winter mortality reduced long-term effectiveness, key native species were successfully established and maintained for two growing seasons. This approach offers a viable alternative to seed-based restoration in disturbed park ecosystems.

Stover, H. J., Naeth, M. A., & Wilkinson, S. R. (2018). Transplanting Following Non-Native Plant Control in Rocky Mountain Foothills Fescue Grassland Restoration. Ecological Restoration, 36(1), 19–27. https://doi.org/10.3368/er.36.1.19