Kingman Restoration Work Takes First Steps Forward
Good things are happening on Kingman + Heritage Islands!
The District Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) is excited to share that the first phase of restoration efforts on Kingman + Heritage Islands is about to begin NEXT WEEK!
Did you know invasive plants cover the islands, creating an inhospitable environment for native species and wildlife? Starting on June 21, our partners from RES/AES and Sarver Ecological will be removing bush honeysuckle and other invasive plants to restore the forest and create wildlife habitat!
Got questions? We got answers!
Where will the restoration take place?
Removal of invasive plants will start at the southern end of Kingman island and proceed north towards Benning Road. The orange areas highlighted in the map below indicates where the restoration will take place. The restoration will occur in sections but the islands will remain open. For your safety, pedestrian access will be restricted at certain locations for a few days to a week at a time when there is large machinery. These areas will be marked off with temporary orange fencing and signs. Please keep an eye out!
How are the invasive species removed?
Under the guidance of DOEE, an expert team of restoration professionals equipped with tracked skid steer with forestry mulcher attachment (pictured below), chainsaws, and aquatic rated herbicide application will remove the invasive honeysuckle. Heads up! You might hear some noise during this time.
What will the islands look like afterwards?
The invasive plants on the islands are very dense. Once removed, the understory will be more open which will allow native species to thrive. This is a good thing! The islands might look bare in comparison until native species are planted. RES will sow seeds of native grasses to immediately grow a cover crop, but the actual revegetation restoration work will occur in Fall 2022. The existing native canopy trees will serve as the “backbone” of the restoration and will be preserved and protected throughout this process.
Will birds and other wildlife on the island be impacted during the restoration?
We have delineated areas that are high value wildlife habitat and will minimize impact in those areas by delaying invasive plant management activities until after the amphibian breeding season and by working on foot rather than with machinery. This cover will be replaced with native trees and shrubs that provide better food and habitat resources for birds and other wildlife.
Where can I learn more about the restoration and future of the islands?
Over the next 3 years, our design-build team will design and construct improvements on Kingman + Heritage Islands that will prioritize conservation and restoration of the natural ecology and focus on education opportunities for children and visitors of all ages. Learn more by visiting KingmanIsland.com!