Invasive exotic plant monitoring in Colorado National Monument: 2011 field season
Perkins D. 2012. Invasive exotic plant monitoring in Colorado National Monument: 2011 field season. Natural Resource Technical Report. NPS/NCPN/NRTR—2012/556. National Park Service. Fort Collins, Colorado
This report describes the invasive exotic plant monitoring conducted in Colorado National Monument in 2011. Invasive exotic plant (IEP) species are a significant threat to natural ecosystem integrity and biodiversity, and controlling them is a high priority for the National Park Service. The Northern Colorado Plateau Network (NCPN) selected the early detection of IEPs as one of 10 monitoring protocols to be implemented as part of its long-term monitoring program. This report represents work completed at Colorado National Monument (COLM) during 2011. In monitoring conducted between June 22 and August 21, 2011, twenty-four IEP species were detected on monitoring routes and transects at COLM. Of these, 11 were priority species that accounted for 696 separate infestations. IEPs were most prevalent along riparian areas and roads. Yellow sweetclover (Melilotus officinale), field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia), and tamarisk (Tamarix spp.) were the most widespread species found along monitoring routes. Cheatgrass (Anisantha tectorum) and yellow sweetclover had the highest percent cover (1.4 and 0.1%) and highest frequency (68% and 18%) of all transects, respectively. Fewer priority IEPs were found along Rim Rock Drive from the intersection with East Glade Park Road to the Ute Canyon Overlook than along East Glade Park Road and Rim Rock Drive from the intersection with East Glade Park Road to the East Entrance, where there is a higher rate of transportation of livestock and livestock food (hay). Russian olive has generally increased, while tamarisk has decreased in the time since surveys were conducted in 2003 and 2009. Many IEPs were present in small, localized invasions that have a promising chance of successful control and eradication. Network staff will return to re-sample all monitoring routes in 2013.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Perkins, Dustin
- Date of Issue
- 2012-03
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- Units
- COLM , NCPN , NRSS
- Keywords
- Exotic Species, Exotic/Invasive Species - Plants, Invasive Species, Monitoring, NCPN Invasive Plants Monitoring, Plant Studies