Karlstad Buckthorn Removal - Phase II

Common Buckthorn, an invasive brush species, has been found within Halma Swamp and Devil's Playground Wildlife Management Areas, mainly in the forested areas. Common buckthorn is a highly invasive species that can create dense shade that will eventually shade out many native species if it is not controlled, thus degrading wildlife habitat value of a site. The fruit of this plant is of little nutritional value to wildlife because the fruit has a laxative effect and is eliminated without being digested. Removal of this species will help to restore the sites to their natural cover and will help to prevent the spread of buckthorn into the adjacent habitats which will benefit all the wildlife species that depend on the Tallgrass Aspen Parklands mosaic of habitats.