Carbon Storage and Sequestration Forecast for Campus Trees Threatened by Exotic Invasive Plants: Meeting the Campus Carbon Commitment

Leah Given

lgiven@unca.edu

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

This study examined the impact of the lack of control of exotic invasive plants on UNCA's carbon budget, building upon earlier research conducted in the university's Biology and Environmental Studies departments. Urban forests can play an essential role in providing sinks for atmospheric carbon. Carbon stored by urban trees is threatened to be rereleased in the atmosphere by the presence of exotic invasive plant species. Invasive plants can exacerbate the impact of climate change by killing trees, causing release of carbon stored therein. On the UNCA campus, without proper management, exotic invasive plants will contribute to the death of urban trees. This study uses i-Tree Eco software to model carbon storage and sequestration in UNCA’s urban forests with and without adequate management of invasive plants. Five plots were chosen on south campus that were heavily invaded by species such as English ivy (Hedera helix) and Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus). For each tree species, a database was then created quantifying the amount of carbon trees in the plots are projected to store and sequester through 2050, the target date for campus carbon neutrality, if invasive plants were not adequately managed. Zero dieback was assumed from other factors. This created a theoretical maximum of carbon storage and sequestration for each year over the next 27 years. The research employs forecasting and modeling to determine the effect of controlling invasive plants on helping meet the Campus Carbon Commitment. The results of this study provide insight into the importance of controlling invasive plant species as a means of mitigating climate change.

May-14-2024