Invasive exotic plant monitoring in Capitol Reef National Park: field seasons 2009–2012

Perkins, Dustin; Lenhart, Gary

This report documents invasive plant infestations detected at Capitol Reef National Park during 2012. It also covers all work completed from 2009 to 2012, which represents the first full rotation of desired monitoring routes and presents a rotational panel for future monitoring. 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 documents invasive plant infestations detected at Capitol Reef National Park during 2012. It also covers all work completed from 2009 to 2012, which represents the first full rotation of desired monitoring routes and presents a rotational panel for future monitoring. During surveys conducted from 2009 to 2012, Capitol Reef National Park staff detected 14 IEP species on monitoring routes and transects comprising 94 kilometers along Cathedral Valley Road, Highway 24, Pleasant Creek, Oak Creek, and the Scenic Drive. Tamarisk (Tamarix spp.), Russian olive (Elaeangus angustifolia), and alfalfa (Medicago sativa) were the most prevalent IEP species, together representing 98% of all infestations found along monitoring routes. While infestations were widespread, actual IEP percent cover was low on Cathedral Valley Road, the Scenic Drive, and Oak Creek. Control efforts appear to be working for tamarisk, tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), bull thistle (Cirsium arvense), and Russian knapweed (Centaurea repens), as all were found in lower levels in 2009–2012 than during earlier surveys conducted by Utah State University from 2003 to 2005.

Invasive exotic plant monitoring in Capitol Reef National Park: field seasons 2009–2012

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