Exotic Plants - Early Detection
Importance / IssuesExotic plants represent one of the most significant threats to natural resources in national parks. Exotic plants are a concern due to their abilities to reproduce prolifically, rapidly colonize new areas, displace native species, alter ecosystem processes across multiple scales, and detract from the interpretive value of park resources. In the Great Plains, grasslands have been increasingly degraded and fragmented, which results in increasing chances of exotic plant species invasion. There is often a time lag between the initial establishment of an invasive exotic and its rapid expansion toward local carrying capacity. Therefore, early detection and subsequent eradication is essential. This vital sign will focus on the early detection of exotic plants and areas most likely to see new colonizations. The area and percentage of exotic plants will be covered by the comprehensive vegetation protocols (Grassland Vegetation Communities and Wetland Vegetation Communities). >> more information Protocol Development & StatusTomye Folts-Zettner, with the Southern Plains Network, is the lead for the early detection of exotic plants vital sign protocol. SOPN's protocol will benefit from methods advocated in the Early Detection of Invasive Plant Species Handbook (a cooperative USGS/NPS task) and build on preliminary protocols of older networks. Pilot field seasons will likely begin at a small park (Washita Battlefield or Lyndon B. Johnson NHP) and a large park (Chickasaw NRA or Lake Meredith NRA) in 2007. The planned completion date for the protocol is November 2007 |
 Preliminary Monitoring ObjectiveDetect incipient populations and new introductions of invasive exotic plant species. Potential MeasuresPresence, abundance, and distribution of new populations. Contact InformationTomye Folts-Zettner Southern Plains Network Post Office Box 329 Johnson City, TX 78636 830-868-7128 ext. 280 tomye_folts@nps.gov |
