Invasive Exotic Plants - Early Warning Monitoring
Affected ParksBlue Ridge Parkway (BLRI) Importance / IssuesInvasive plants infest an estimated 2.6 million acres managed by the US National Park Service. The consequences of these invasions present a significant challenge fo rthe NPS to manage the agency's natural resources "unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations". More NPS lands are infested daily despite dilligent efforts to curtail the problem. There is a growing urgency in the NPS and among other resource management organizations to be proactive - to protect resources not yet impacted by current and future invasive species. (Welch et al. 2007). The Appalachian Highlands I&M Network is working with NatureServe and the NPS Southeast Exotic Plant Management Team to develop an early-warning monitoring protocol for the Blue Ridge Parkway that could provide timely information to managers on new exotic infestations while they are still small and relatively easily treated, and before irreversible damaage is done to significant resources such as rare species and exemplary communities. Monitoring ObjectivesThe goals of this long-term monitoring effort are to detect new non-native invasive species just entering (or adjacent to) the park as well as infestations of existing invasive species into new areas, with the primary monitoring focus being on areas of highest ecological significance (concentrations of rare species, pristine examples of communities, etc.). Specific objectives are to: 1. Develop and update as needed (minimally, every 3 years) a list of priority target species that includes species that do not currently occur in the park, occur in localized areas, or are extremely rare, but that would cause major ecological or economic problems if they were to become established on the Blue Ridge Parkway. 2. Develop and maintain a "risk of occurrence" search model for target species based on life history attributes, dispersal modes, invasion corridors, and known population locations. 3. Within a 2-mile buffer of the park's high priority ecological zones, survey invasion corridors for target species every 3 years (at a mininum). Protocol Development and StatusUsing data from the 299 stratified random plots (plot size=1,000 sq. meters) established for the recently-completed vascular plant inventory of the Parkway, the Network and NatureServe have analyzed the distribution of non-native species throughout the park, in relation to areas of high ecological significance, as well as to potential invasion corridors. Potential sources of invasion include roads (paved and gravel), railroads, utility rights-of-way, urban development, agricultural areas, vista clearings, and other disturbed sites with little or no tree canopy and/or with areas of bare soil. We have obtained data from 1,000 additional plots surveyed on National Forest lands adjacent to the Parkway and are using this to further develop our "risk of occurrence" search model.
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BASELINE DATA FROM 3 NETWORK PARKS Comparison of non-native species distribution and abundance in 3 Network parks, using data from vascular plant inventory plots In the winter of 2007, a draft list of priority target species was developed in cooperation with the Southeast Exotic Plant Management Team. A sampling design is being developed, using adaptations from the recently completed national NPS protocol for Early Detection of Invasive Plants. The first year of field evaluation will be conducted in 2008. Two years of sampling and data analysis will be needed before the monitoring protocol is finalized.
Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) - J. Randall Management ApplicationsThe goal of this monitoring project is to detect new infestations in critical areas, while they are still manageable and before irreversible damage is done to significant resources. Timely feedback of monitoring results to park managers will be essential. Contact InformationNora Murdock Appalachian Highlands Network 67 Ranger Dr. Asheville, NC 28805 Nora_Murdock@nps.gov |
