State Takes on 'Pretty,' Invasive Species in Howard County

Spring is here and it’s beginning to show as flowers start to bloom on shrubs and trees.

Some of those colorful plants are on their way out, however, as the State Highway Administration (SHA) embarks on a spring cleaning project to rid roadsides, medians and wetland sites of invasive species.

Many of the invasive plants do have colorful flowers, according to SHA, but they create problems as they can block views of the road, strangle native plants and interfere with drainage and wetlands ecology.

“Unfortunately, many of the unwanted trees and plants look pretty and when we remove them, the areas will be stark,” SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters said in a statement. “The before and after photos of previous projects show the benefit, we just need patience in between while the native plants get established.” 

SHA crews will remove several species of invasive plants, including Black Locust and Callery Pear trees. In their place, SHA will replant “hearty, native species,” or will simply let the existing native species flourish unimpeded by invaders.

“Invasive plants do not provide the kinds of habitat and food that native birds and other wildlife need to survive,” Maryland Department of Natural Resources Biologist Jonathan McKnight said in a statement.

“Uncontrolled invasive plant populations on highway corridors act as a constant source of infestation and wreak havoc upon natural areas. Controlling noxious vegetation will certainly encourage native plants to prosper.”

The roadside vegetation management projects are expected to be complete in 2015, according to SHA. Other management programs implemented over the past five years include the introduction of “beneficial insects,” such as the Mile-aMinute Weevil to help eradicate the Mile-a-Minute weed, which is growing along many corridors, according to SHA. 

In Howard County, expect to see crews managing vegetation this spring and summer in the following areas:

• Howard County: I-95 between the Prince George’s County and Baltimore County lines.

• Howard County: US 29 (Columbia Pike) from the Montgomery County line to MD 99.

• Howard County: MD 100 from US 29 to the Anne Arundel County line.

• Howard County: West Friendship and Nixon Farm Wetlands (MD 32 near MD 144 (Frederick Road).

• Howard County: Schultz Farm wetland off Hanover Road near the Patapsco Valley State Park.

• Carroll/Frederick/Howard and Washington counties:I-70 between I-68 (National Freeway) to the Baltimore County line

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