Problematic plant monitoring in Pea Ridge National Military Park: 2006–2018
Young CC. 2020. Problematic plant monitoring in Pea Ridge National Military Park: 2006–2018. Natural Resource Report. NPS/HTLN/NRR—2020/2086. National Park Service. Fort Collins, Colorado
Managers are challenged with the impact of problematic plants, including exotic, invasive, and pest plant species. Information on the abundance, distribution, and location of these plants is essential for developing risk-based approaches to managing these species. Based on surveys conducted in 2006, 2013, and 2018, Heartland Network staff and contractors identified a cumulative total of 36 problematic plant species in Pea Ridge National Military Park. Of the 32 species found in 2018, we characterized 12 as very low frequency, 6 as low frequency, 10 as medium frequency, and 4 as high frequency. A total of 6 species (18.8%) exceeded a 10-acre threshold. The abundance of Eastern redcedar has been reduced over the study period. Japanese stiltgrass, on the other hand, has increased in the park. With respect to early detection, we suggest that managers focus on eradication of crownvetch. While eradication may be possible for a small number of species, managers should largely focus on strategically protecting high value features in the park’s cultural and natural landscapes.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Young, Craig
- Date of Issue
- 2020-03
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- Units
- HTLN , NRSS , PERI
- Subjects
- Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Invasive Species | Invasive/Exotic plants