The
Woodland Invasive Plant Species Monitoring Program
The purpose of this project is to solicit public support
for a field survey that began in the spring of 2002, as
a two year pilot study that is now being continued, that
will assess the presence and severity of invasive woodland
plant species in the State of Iowa.
The
rapid spread of invasive species has become a serious problem
in the Midwest. These species often compete directly
with our native flora. This results in many of Iowa's remaining
woodlands and other natural areas being invaded by exotic
species, losing their biodiversity, structure, ecological
functions, and aesthetic qualities that are an important
part of the Iowa landscape. However, we currently have very
little information about the distribution of invasive species,
or which parts of the state are experiencing the greatest
threats. This lack of information greatly limits our ability
to take effective action to address the problem.
In response to this
situation, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Iowa
State University initiated a survey in 2002 to document the
current locations and severity of key invasive woodland species
in Iowa. Because of the large area that this survey
will include, combined with funding limitations, we rely primarily
on volunteers in different regions of the state to collect
this information. This web site will become the means to enter
the information that volunteers collect. Initial data have
been analyzed and the results are posted on this website.
As more data are collected, the maps will be updated. The
long-term goal of this study is to contribute to the development
of effective solutions to addressing the invasive species
problem.
To prepare volunteers
for the field surveys, training sessions are held each summer.
Volunteers are taught the survey methodology and are
provided with the necessary tools and information needed to
collect the field data.
To gain a more realistic
view of the distribution of invasive species we would like
to survey both public and private lands. It is with
this regard that we would like to solicit your help. We are
looking for private landowners that are willing to allow their
land to be surveyed by a volunteer. The survey method is short
and usually will only take one afternoon. If you are interested
in surveying your own land and/or other land we invite you
to become a volunteer.
If you are interested, please contact:
Jason
O'Brien
Department
of Natural Resource
Ecology & Management
Iowa State University
124 Science II
Ames, IA 50011-6440
Tel: (515) 294-6440
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