Saratoga park gets funds to combat invasive species, preserve ecology
TL/DR –
Saratoga National Historical Park in the US is set to receive a portion of nearly $200 million from the National Park Service to address natural resource challenges. The funding, part of the Inflation Reduction Act, will be used for three projects: controlling invasive species in 19 parks, restoring park grasslands, and managing over-browsing to support climate resilience and ecosystem regeneration. Saratoga National Historical Park, which drew more than 100,000 visitors in 2023, is both a vital ecosystem and a historical landmark, being the site of a turning point in the Revolutionary War.
Saratoga National Park Receives Federal Funding for Preservation
Saratoga National Historical Park is among several parks that have received federal funding to address natural resource challenges. The National Park Service has allocated nearly $200 million in Inflation Reduction Act funds for resilience building and restoration in northeastern parks. Saratoga National Historical Park is poised to benefit from this funding aimed at preserving parks that serve as both vital ecosystem sanctuaries and historical landmarks.
Superintendent Leslie Morlock notes that the Saratoga Battlefield, home to diverse flora, fauna, and key historical events, is a beneficiary of this funding. The funds will be used for three distinct projects including controlling invasive species to prevent forest loss, restoring park grasslands, and managing over-browsing to support climate resilience and ecosystem regeneration.
As the site of a turning point in the Revolutionary War, Saratoga Battlefield draws significant interest and holds substantial historical value. However, Morlock emphasizes that the park’s ecology is equally important. With open, undisturbed landscapes, Saratoga allows ground-nesting birds and pollinator species such as monarch butterflies to thrive. In many large studies, it often serves as a control site.
Securing Funds for Preservation
Science Advisor and Research Coordinator for the National Parks Northeast Regional Office, Brian Mitchell, admits that securing funds for these projects was not easy. However, research published last year highlighting the pressing issue of pests and invasive species in East Coast forests, paved the way for funding. This funding will help increase the resilience of forests and grasslands in Saratoga and other parks to climate change impacts.
According to Morlock, Saratoga Park is presently experiencing severe regeneration failure, elevating the risk of significant forest loss. The funding comes at a critical time to tackle this problem and the issue of invasive species that are causing the death of many ash trees in the park. Mitchell emphasizes the advantage of implementing these projects simultaneously to tackle invasive species and deer over-browsing, allowing for more effective reforestation.
For the park’s long-term survival, this funding is significant. Saratoga Park plays a crucial role in the surrounding economy and ecosystem, having attracted over 100,000 visitors in 2023.
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