The Conservation Commission has partnered with Sugarbush Resort to continue ongoing cutback efforts of the invasive species; volunteers can sign up for one hour or for the whole day.
Conservation Commission member Susan Hemmeter said, "Our cutback efforts so far have had encouraging results. Thanks to all those who volunteered their time and energy, and to Barry Simpson and his crew. Many roadside patches of knotweed along Plunkton, Prickly Mountain, Anne Burns, West Hill, and Fuller Hill have not reappeared after a series of cutbacks. Where patches in other locations have continued to grow, they are substantially reduced in height and width."
The Knotweed "control project" is focused mainly on the upland growth of the highly destructive species, according to Hemmeter, as opposed to the patches growing on both shores of the riparian area along the Mad River.
Hemmeter said the Conservation Commission is going after the knotweed because it is "very destructive and expensive to remove" and if allowed to progress runs the risk of taking over the prime agricultural soil.
If knotweed takes hold in prime agricultural soil, it is impossible to remove, she said, because of the root structure and propensity to spread quickly.
Knotweed thrives in disturbed ground, according to Hemmeter, and spreads easily on construction sites where it continues to grow beneath structures, locating weaknesses in foundations and walls and even growing up into the interior of buildings.
"Because each stand creates a rhizome network that can extend to 3m in depth and 7m in all directions, knotweed can cause extensive damage to drains, wells and
other underground services," she said.
For more information on the knotweed cutback days or to join the volunteer effort throughout the month of November, contact Susan Hemmeter, 583-6360.
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