Exotic plants in Theodore Roosevelt National Park: extent, distribution and ecological impact
Butler JL and Trammell MA. 1995. Exotic plants in Theodore Roosevelt National Park: extent, distribution and ecological impact. CA 1268-1-9005. University of SD. Vermillion, SD
An increase in exotic (non-native) plant species in TRNP, Medora, ND has generated concern about their effects on the native communities. In the summer of 1991 a three year project funded by the NPS, through a cooperative research agreement between the Rocky Mountain Regional Office and the University of SD, was initiated to determine the existing and potential ecological effects of exotics on native resident communities within the Park. The specific objectives of this project were to 1) determine the number and distribution of exotic species in TRNP, 2) evaluate the existing and potential ecological effects of exotics on the native ecological components (flora and fauna) within the Park, and 3) their potential for spread. Such baseline research should provide valuable information about the specific interactions which may be taking place between the exotics and the Park ecosystem. The information collected from this study will aid park personnel in establishing management priorities in compliance with NPS and state mandates for the treatment of exotics. Such information is vital to the development and creation of specific resource management plans that maintain the Park in as nearly a pristine condition as possible. This report lists the study area with its climate, general physiography, vegetation and land use. Extent, distribution, and ecological impact of exotic plants on native species is covered as are the effects of herbicide treatment on leafy spurge and non-target species. Also lists effects of exotic plants on native ungulate use of habitat.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Butler, Jack; Trammell, Michael
- Date of Issue
- 1995-10-10
- Publisher
- University of SD
- Units
- THRO
- Keywords
- Animals, Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense), Climate, Distribution, Exotic Species, Herbicides, Inventory, Inventory & Monitoring, Leafy Spurge (Euphorbia esula), Mammals, Natural Resource Management, Plant Studies, Plants, Ungulates, Vegetation, Weather, Weeds