NCPN monitoring, invasive exotic plants

Northern Colorado Plateau Network

This is a new version of the Northern Colorado Plateau Network (NCPN) invasive exotic plant [IEP] monitoring dataset [Reference Code - 2180768]. This dataset contains IEP monitoring data collected in seven NCPN parks between 2008 and 2011. Invasive exotic plant (IEP) species are one of the biggest threats 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. The NCPN is implementing a multi-pronged approach to the early detection of exotic plants. First, NCPN or park staff experienced with a wide range of exotics survey established monitoring routes on a rotational basis to maximize both efficiency and ground coverage. Along those routes, staff establish plots that can be quickly surveyed for data that will enable us to make trend estimates over time. In addition, NCPN staff may dedicate approximately 25% of their time to inventories of areas that are of high management concern. Finally, the network has designed "monitoring lite", a method by which park staff or volunteers with less knowledge of invasive species may collect data for use in NCPN databases and reporting. The NCPN initiated IEP monitoring in 2008 in two park units. Since then, monitoring has been implemented in five additional parks. This dataset contains the data collected in these seven parks between 2008 and 2011. Additional details are available in the 2011 field season reports (refer to the cross reference citations).