Invasive exotic plant monitoring in Dinosaur National Monument: 2010–2011 field seasons
Perkins D. 2012. Invasive exotic plant monitoring in Dinosaur National Monument: 2010–2011 field seasons. Natural Resource Technical Report. NPS/NCPN/NRTR—2012/569. National Park Service. Fort Collins, Colorado
This report describes the invasive exotic plant monitoring conducted in Dinosaur National Monument in 2010 and 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. During surveys conducted from July 5–24, 2010, and July 19–26, 2011, NCPN staff detected 14 priority IEP species and 15 additional IEP species on monitoring routes and transects along 171 kilometers (727 hectares) of the Green and Yampa rivers. Tamarisk (Tamarix chinensis), broad-leaf pepperwort (Lepidium latifolium), and yellow sweetclover (Melilotus officinalis) were widespread along all three monitored sections (upper Green, lower Green, and Yampa) of the river corridor. Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) was widespread on the upper Green River, while Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) was widespread along the westernmost portion of the lower Green River. Invasive species were generally higher along the upper Green River, followed by the lower Green River. They were lowest on the Yampa River, according to mapping of infestations both along monitoring routes and more quantitative plots. Infestations of tamarisk were smaller on the Yampa than on the upper and lower Green. However, more analysis is planned to remove areas that have been targeted for control, compare stage discharges during sampling, and make comparisons between alluvial parks and canyon reaches to determine what may be causing these differences. Comparison to results from surveys completed from 2002 to 2005 showed that infestations generally increased along the Yampa River, while declining or remaining at similar levels along the upper and lower Green.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Perkins, Dustin
- Date of Issue
- 2012-04
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- Units
- DINO , NCPN , NRSS
- Keywords
- Exotic Species, Exotic/Invasive Species - Plants, Invasive Species, Monitoring, NCPN Invasive Plants Monitoring, Plant Studies