National Capital Region Network: 2006-2009 forest pest, pathogen and exotic plant status report.
Schmit J, Campbell J, Parrish J. 2012. National Capital Region Network: 2006-2009 forest pest, pathogen and exotic plant status report.. Natural Resource Technical Report. NPS/NCRN/NRTR—2012/650. National Park Service. Fort Collins, Colorado
Four hundred permanent forest vegetation monitoring plots were established across the eleven parks in the National Capital Region Network. Each year one hundred of these plots are monitored. This report presents the results of the first four years of monitoring for forest pests, pathogens, and exotic plants. Gypsy moth was the most commonly found pest species in the parks, particularly at Catoctin and Harpers Ferry. Dogwood anthracnose and hemlock woolly adelgid were also encountered. Exotic plants are very common in the parks, and are found in over half of all monitoring plots. Species most frequently encountered include the tree of heaven, Amur bush honeysuckle, Japanese stiltgrass, and Japanese honeysuckle. There are numerous examples in the scientific literature of exotic plants that have negative impacts on native vegetation. As monitoring continues we will be able to determine which exotic plants are spreading and how quickly. We will also be able to compare regeneration, growth, and mortality of native vegetation on plots with and without exotic species as a measure of what impact exotic plants are having on the forest.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Schmit, John Paul; Campbell, J. Patrick; Parrish, John
- Date of Issue
- 2012-12
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- Units
- ANTI , CATO , CHOH , GWMP , HAFE , MANA , MONO , NCRN , NRSS , PRWI , ROCR , WOTR
- Keywords
- Forest, Forest Monitor, Herbs, National Capital Region Network, NCRN, Shrubs, Trees, Vegetation, Vines
- Subjects
- Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Invasive Species | Invasive/Exotic plants , Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Forest/Woodland Communities