Alaska Plant Materials Center | Division of Agriculture

Chapter 1: An Introduction to Revegetation

Why Revegetate an Area?

Native Species

Availability is currently the primary obstacle to using native species in Alaska. In-state production is increasing, but market consistency is required to assure future availability. Government mandates and programs, both state and federal, are critical components in the development of the native seed industry. While mandates to use native species may originate in one agency, the agencies that buy and use seed are the ones faced with the issues associated with native species.

Figure 17: Harvesting a natural stand of bluejoint reedgrass, Calamagrostis canadensis, with a standard combine.

Much has been done in the past decade to make these materials available. Their performance is superior to introduced material, but prices may be higher. Most of the price issue is related to the simple laws of supply and demand. Eventually, prices will stabilize and then decline. A list of potential commercially available native species is listed in the Native Plant Directory. As these materials become available commercially or for demonstration projects, the Alaska Plant Materials Center (PMC) will advise the end users.

< Previous

Department of Natural Resources Division of Agriculture

State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources