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The Rationale for Monitoring Invasive Plant Populations as a Crucial Step for Management

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2017

Bruce D. Maxwell*
Affiliation:
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717
Erik Lehnhoff
Affiliation:
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717
Lisa J. Rew
Affiliation:
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717
*
Corresponding author's Email: bmax@montana.edu

Abstract

Many land managers are faced with trying to optimize management of invasive plant species based on budget constraints and lack of knowledge of the true potential of the species. Generally, “early detection rapid response” (EDRR) is the assumed best management strategy and tends to drive management regardless of the invasion stage or possible variation in the invasion potential of the population. We created a simulation model to evaluate the optimal management strategy to reduce the rate of invasion of nonindigenous plant species. The strategies were specifically chosen to assess the value of information from monitoring populations. We compared four management strategies and a no-management control over a 20-yr period in the context of a management area: (1) managing a fixed number of populations at random each year (EDRR random), (2) managing an equivalent number of populations along a road each year (EDRR road), (3) managing half of the fixed populations that were determined by monitoring to be sources of new populations (monitoring every year), and (4) managing an equivalent set of source populations only on even years, leaving the odd years for monitoring (monitoring every other year). EDRR random location without regard to population invasion potential, and monitoring every year targeting management on populations determined to be invasive (sources for new populations), were the most successful strategies for reducing the increase in total number of populations. The model simulations suggest that managers could dedicate 50% of their management time to monitoring without risk of accelerating invasions or reducing the impact of their weed management program.

Type
Research
Copyright
Copyright © Weed Science Society of America 

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