Outline for the Control of Invasive Plants

If you arrived at this page, it’s probably safe to think that prevention of an invasive plant infestation was not entirely successful in your situation. Practices that help prevent such problems however must still be exercised to inhibit the spread of existing infestations as well as helping to reduce the chances of additional species being introduced. Efforts in the treatment of invasive plants must not be the source of further difficulties, and be focused on the eradication of all invasive species (not perpetual treatment).

Although I hope in the future to be able to write in greater detail on the many facets of this control regimen, the following is intended to outline basic considerations and ideal components.

Preliminary considerations:

I.             Identification of current and likely future invasions

II.            Source of existing and likely sources of future invasions

III.          Available resources

IV.          Risks

V.            Site history

VI.          Future land usage

Planning:

I.             Criterion for Eradication

II.            Human Resources

III.          Species and Risk Specific Methods of Treatment

IV.          Seasonal Considerations

V.            Communication with Adjacent Land Holders

VI.          Hazard Mitigation

VII.         Budgeting

VIII.        Drafting a Plan

IX.           Record Keeping

Implementation:

I.             Procurement

II.           Training

III.          Follow Plan and Revise as Needed

IV.          Budgeting

V.           Evaluation

VI.         Documentation

Completion and Expansion:

I.           Monitoring

II.          Buffering