Invasive plant species early detection in the San Francisco Bay Area Network: 2015 annual report

Wrubel, Eric; Floreani Buzbee, Raphaela

This report summarizes the results of the 2015 season of the Invasive Plant Species Early Detection program (ISED) for the Inventory and Monitoring Program of the San Francisco Bay Area National Parks Network (SFAN). Invasive plants (see Glossary) represent a high priority vital sign for SFAN because of the negative effects they have on park resources, including altering ecosystem processes (fire regime, hydrology, soil biogeochemical cycling, etc.), reducing habitat quality and scenic value, and increasing trail maintenance needs. The 2015 early detection surveys were conducted in Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GOGA), John Muir National Historic Site (JOMU), Pinnacles National Monument (PINN), and Point Reyes National Seashore (PORE). Objectives and methods for the 2015 field season were revised from a peer-reviewed protocol published in the NPS Natural Resource Report series (Williams et al. 2009). The methods for survey frequency and prioritization of survey areas were revised in GOGA and PORE, and a belt transect method was piloted at PINN. Including the years when pilot data was collected, 2015 was the seventh field season of data collection in PINN and JOMU, the eighth in PORE, and the ninth in GOGA. Ninety-six miles of trails and roadsides were surveyed within GOGA and 909 occurrences of target weed species were recorded. Fifty-two miles of trails and roadsides were surveyed at PORE and 216 occurrences of target weeds were recorded. Ten miles of trails and roadsides were surveyed at PINN and 16 occurrences of target weeds were recorded. Six miles of trails were surveyed at JOMU, and 29 priority weed occurrences were recorded. Three species that are new to the SFAN parks were recorded and collected during the 2015 early detection surveys. Volunteers played an important role in the implementation of the 2015 field surveys, contributing a total of 414 survey hours Priority plant populations were mapped using the new internet-based Calflora Weed Manager data system, which was used to display and communicate results to a broad audience. Survey results were reported on a monthly basis during the field season, and ISED collaborated on early detection/rapid response efforts with SFAN staff and partners, and worked with local land management agencies and non-profits to strengthen the regional early detection network.

Invasive plant species early detection in the San Francisco Bay Area Network: 2015 annual report

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