Northeast Temperate Network (NETN) - Invasive Species - Early Detection
Northeast Temperate Network (NETN) - Invasive Species - Early Detection.
Early detection monitoring of incipient invasive plants, animals and diseases was ranked among the top priorities in the Eastern Rivers and Mountains Network (ERMN) and the Northeast Temperate Network (NETN) in the vital signs selection process due to the clear identification of, and concern about, the effects these organisms can have on park ecosystems. The known ecological impacts of invasive species include loss of threatened and endangered species, altered structure and composition of terrestrial and aquatic communities, and reduction in overall species diversity. While long-term changes associated with invasive species are being monitored through other protocols, it is also critical to catch new populations of invasive species early in their invasion of new and sensitive habitats. Only when invasions are caught early will the chance of eradication remain high. Early detection monitoring in the ERMN and NETN will include creation of individual park early detection species lists; opportunistic surveillance monitoring of invasive plant and forest pest species that will focus on educating monitoring field crews, cooperators, volunteers, and resource managers on invasive species identification; and a coherent framework for reporting and disseminating information on potential infestations. This will allow park resource managers to target limited resources toward highest priority risks.
- Type
- Program
- Authors
- Northeast Temperate Network
- Units
- ACAD , BOHA , MABI , MIMA , MORR , NETN , ROVA , SAGA , SAIR , SARA , WEFA
- Keywords
- Exotic, Invasive Species, NETN