Team: 49
School: Melrose High
Area of Science: Environment
Interim: Our Project:
Our project came from a suggestion from a company that wanted to find possible ways to deal with a cattail infestation that was occurring in the creeks and waterways near their headquarters. We took on the challenge, and have been working on this as a ‘sponsored’ research project that we have broken down into 3 different sections:
First, we will need to study a given area that is representative of the waterways affected. From this research, we can estimate the number of plants that might be involved per unit of area. Also, we will be able to get samples of the cattail plants involved so that we can see what uses they might be put to. This will require our team to make some site visits for us to determine how thick the stands of cattails are, and how easily they might be removed or harvested.
Secondly, we will be doing research to see what ecological effects the cattail plants might be having on the affected areas. With this information we can see what impacts the removal of these plants might have, either in a positive or negative means. This step will involve research done online, in person, and with interviews with area experts.
Thirdly, we will be working to determine if there is any economic benefit that can be gained from the use of cattails in a new or innovative way. This will be the hardest part of the entire long term project.
To begin this series of activities, we will limit ourselves to the first two steps of the overall project: Studying the site to determine the extent of the cattail population, and then determining the economic and ecologic impacts of the cattail’s removal.
Computational Model:
We will be using the computer language NetLogo to make a simulation of the area affected. It will show the population densities of cattails, and will help us to make decisions that affect the area in an economic or ecological means.
Variables that we will take into consideration will be: a) the needs for fish breeding grounds;
b) the amounts of water used by the cattails that is thus removed from river or irrigation system levels; c) the costs of removal; and d) which areas are actually suited to the ability to have removal strategies take place.
The model will be used to determine which areas can and cannot have control measures implemented, and to what extent control measures in the possible areas will have on the entire cattail population and perceived problem.
Progress:
We have taken several trips to cattail affected areas, and have done some initial work on removal strategies (both those already in practice, and new ones we will propose).
We have started our computer model, by using pieces and procedures of prior models to help us come up with a realistic representation of our study area.
We need to continue our research on possible uses of cattails, and on research on the ecological impacts of this plant in an irrigation area.
Results Expected:
We hope to come up with a way of telling how feasible it is to remove cattails from an area, AND to put this plant resource to a beneficial use. Our company sponsor, with its mentors, will help us to determine if our ideas are possible and realistic.
References:
1 – Ft. Sumner Irrigation District. Interviews and information packs.
2 – Ft. Sumner State Park. Interviews and assistance.
3 – P.Forrest. Personal interview. “Cattail removal along the Pecos.â€
4 – Google search: Cattail usage.
5 – E. Gibbons. Book. “Uses of Cattails.â€
Team Members:
Sponsoring Teacher: Alan Daugherty