The non native invasive plant Japanese Stilt Grass has become a significant problem in Central Pennsylvania forests in recent years. The detrimental plant quickly populates an area following a disturbance (timbersale, windthrow). Once established it forms a thick thatch of stems and litter in concentrated areas. These areas are extremely hostile environments for desirable vegetation. The desirable vegetation is out competed for resorces and growing space by the introduced Japanese Stilt Grass.

This negative phenomenon has been most noticible in the University's conifer regeneration areas. Japanese Stilt Grass invades the areas immediately after the young pine seedlings are planted. The growth of the supple pine seedlings are quickly deformed by the dense layer of Japanese Stilt Grass.

The Penn State Forestland Management Office with the assistance of the Glatfelter Paper Wood Company, UAP Timberland, LLC and BASF has begun to treat Japanese Stilt Grass prior to green up with chemical herbicide. The early growing season control of the invasive plant gives our desirable seedlings a head start. This advantage appears to allow the seedlings to grow faster with better form.

This spring 22 acres of young Pitlolly Pine seedlings were sprayed with chemical herbicide to control Japanese Stiltgrass. The chemical herbicide "Oust Extra" was applied by helicopter over the seedlings to control the invasive plant. The chemical will prohibit the Stilt Grass from growing for the majority of the summer.

The same 22 acres are scheduled to be aerially sprayed with a different chemical in the late summer 2006. This second application of chemical late in the summer will control the hardwood competition to further improve the pine seedlings growth and survival.