The invasion of non-native and exotic plant species is challenging protection and management of resources in National Parks throughout the United States (Lodge et al. 2006, Welch 2007a). Ecological and system effects depend on the rate and amount of spread, site characteristics, and the biology of organisms in infected areas (Hupy et al. 2004, Welch 2007b). Although initial establishment of non-native plants species can result in increased biodiversity, prolonged occupancy by non-native species can disrupt user interactions and communities, and ultimately lead to a less diverse biota (Stohlgren et al. 1999, Tilman 1999).

The CHDN is collaborating with broader regional efforts that monitor invasive plants (i.e., NPS’s Sonoran Desert and Southern Plains Networks, Bureau of Land Management, county Soil and Water Conservation Districts).  The utility of CHDN parks as representative of reference conditions and the contribution of information from park units to a much larger program are desirable aspects of such collaboration. CHDN and New Mexico State University (NMSU) Center for Applied Spatial Ecology are developing appropriate standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the Invasive Plants Monitoring Protocol. 

Figure 1. Boundary of the Chihuahuan Desert Ecoregion and location of CHDN park units (produced by CHDN and adapted from Dinerstein et al. 2000).

Plant Invasion Stages

Decision Tree