scholarly journals Geographical Analysis of the Distribution and Spread of Exotic Plant Species in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

1998 ◽  
Vol 22 ◽  
pp. 3-12
Author(s):  
Deborah Kurtz ◽  
Richard Aspinall ◽  
Katherine Hansen
Keyword(s):  
Exotic Species ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
National Park ◽  
National Park Service ◽  
Exotic Plants ◽  
Rare Plants ◽  
Exotic Plant ◽  
Exotic Plant Species ◽  
Grand Teton National Park ◽  
Park Service

The effects of introduced exotic species in natural environments are becoming important issues in conservation biology and natural resource management and recent scientific literature reveals increasing concern regarding the spread of invasive exotic plant species (Allen, 1996; Vitousek et al. 1996; Walker and Smith, 1997). Ecological consequences of these species include increased competition for space, water, and nutrients with native plants (which could result in a decrease in biodiversity), decreased forage quality for native ungulates, and changes in the microenvironments where the establishments took place (Woods, 1997). Sheley et al (1998) list several ecologically and economically detrimental impacts of exotic species. The National Park Service recognizes the need to protect ecosystems from exotic species (National Park Service, 1997) through management based on the ability to predict species distributions and spread, and monitoring in areas that are most susceptible to invasion. Recommended strategies for preventing the spread of exotic species include developing an early warning system to identify and eradicate new infestations of exotic plants in National Parks, and continued inventory and monitoring of exotic plants (National Park Service, 1997). These strategies will be based on assessment of the distribution and spread of exotic plants (National Park Service, 1997) using remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technologies for mapping and monitoring exotic plants, and models to predict the invasiveness and spread of exotic plants. In Grand Teton National Park (GTNP), exotic species are a great concern for park managers (National Park Service, 1997). Of the 1000 species of flowering plants within GTNP, there are also four (possibly five) rare plants that may be threatened as a result of competition with exotics (Wyoming Rare Plant Technical Committee, 1994): Draba borealis (Boreal draba), Epipactis gigantea (Giant helleborine), Lesquerella carinata var. carinata (Keeled bladderpod), Lesquerella paysonni (Payson's bladderpod), and possibly Draba densifolia var. apiculata (Rockcress draba). The continued survival of these sensitive plants in GTNP increases the need for management of exotic plants. GTNP has implemented a classification system for exotic plant species that consists of three priority levels (GTNP, 1997a). Priority 1 species are designated as "noxious" since they are capable of invading natural ecosystems and disrupting or displacing native vegetation. Currently, there are thirteen exotic plant species with a Priority 1 status within GTNP (Table 1 ).

Effectiveness of Exotic Plant Treatments on National Park Service Lands in the United States

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 147-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott R. Abella
Keyword(s):  
Exotic Species ◽  
National Parks ◽  
Native Species ◽  
National Park ◽  
National Park Service ◽  
The United States ◽  
Native Vegetation ◽  
Exotic Plant ◽  
Ecological Processes ◽  
Park Service

AbstractThe United States created national parks to conserve indigenous species, ecological processes, and cultural resources unimpaired for future generations. Curtailing impacts of exotic species is important to meeting this mission. This synthesis identified 56 studies reported in 60 publications that evaluated effects of exotic plant treatments on National Park Service lands. Studies encompassed 35 parks in 20 states and one U.S. territory and included 157 exotic plant species. Eighty-seven percent of studies reported that at least one treatment reduced focal exotic species. Of 30 studies evaluating response of native vegetation, 53% reported that natives increased, 40% reported neutral responses, and 7% reported that natives decreased. For at least some of the neutral cases, neutrality was consistent with management objectives. In other cases, insufficient time may have elapsed to thoroughly characterize responses, or restoration might be needed. Nonfocal exotic species increased in 44% of the 16 studies evaluating them, but the other 56% of studies reported no increase. Results suggest that: (1) a range of exotic species spanning annual forbs to trees have been effectively treated; (2) developing effective treatments often required extensive experimentation and balancing nontarget impacts; (3) presence of multiple exotic species complicated treatment efforts, highlighting importance of preventing invasions; and (4) placing treatment objectives and outcomes in context, such as pretreatment condition of native vegetation, is important to evaluating effectiveness. Attaining the goal in national parks of conserving native species and ecological processes minimally influenced by exotic species will likely require comprehensive management strategies inclusive of treatment interactions with focal exotic species, other potential invaders, and native species.

scholarly journals A Brief History of the Trails of Grand Teton National Park

2009 ◽  
Vol 32 ◽  
pp. 55-62
Author(s):  
James Pritchard
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
National Park Service ◽  
Service System ◽  
Cultural Resources ◽  
Historical Records ◽  
Grand Teton National Park ◽  
Park Service ◽  
History Of ◽  
Practical Development ◽  
Trail System

This project investigated the history of the backcountry trail system in Grand Teton National Park (GTNP). In cooperation with GTNP Cultural Resources and the Western Center for Historic Preservation in GTNP, we located records describing the early development of the trail system. Only a few historical records describe or map the exact location of early trails, which prove useful when relocating trails today. The paper trail becomes quite rich, however, in revealing the story behind the practical development of Grand Teton National Park as it joined the National Park Service system.

scholarly journals Describing the Mountainsnails (Oreohelix Sp.) of Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

2013 ◽  
Vol 36 ◽  
pp. 94-97
Author(s):  
Lusha Tronstad ◽  
Gary Beauvais ◽  
Jeanne Serb ◽  
Kevin Roe
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
National Park Service ◽  
Endangered Species Act ◽  
The State ◽  
Recent Past ◽  
Grand Teton National Park ◽  
Important Group ◽  
Park Service ◽  
Very High ◽  
The U.S

Invertebrates are receiving an increasing amount of conservation attention across North America. Currently, about 40% of the animals listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) are invertebrates (www.NatureServe.org). The National Park Service and other agencies require better information on invertebrate faunas in order to effectively conserve this important group of animals. One way to prioritize invertebrate groups for study is to assess the number of rare taxa within a given genus. In this context, Oreohelix (mountainsnails) are a top priority because the genus is assumed to support a very high percentage of rare and endemic taxa. Additionally, Oreohelix species in Wyoming and surrounding states have been petitioned for ESA listing in the recent past. The diversity of Oreohelix forms in Wyoming is not well-understood, and the current taxonomy may not reflect the true pattern of diversity within the state. Therefore, we are studying both the morphology and genetic structure of Oreohelix in Grand Teton National Park to begin to understand the diversity of mountainsnails in the state. We collected Oreohelix from 4 locations in Grand Teton National Park. Based on shell and internal characteristics, all individuals were identified as O. subrudis. We are currently preparing specimens for DNA sequencing.

Exotic plant invasion and understorey species richness: a comparison of two types of eucalypt woodland in agricultural Western Australia

1998 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Max Abensperg-Traun ◽  
Lyn Atkins ◽  
Richard Hobbs ◽  
Dion Steven
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Exotic Species ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Plant Invasion ◽  
Native Plants ◽  
Exotic Plants ◽  
Exotic Plant ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Road Verge ◽  
Exotic Plant Invasion

Exotic plants are a major threat to native plant diversity in Australia yet a generic model of the invasion of Australian ecosystems by exotic species is lacking because invasion levels differ with vegetation/soil type and environmental conditions. This study compared relative differences in exotic species invasion (percent cover, spp. richness) and the species richness of herbaceous native plants in two structurally very similar vegetation types, Gimlet Eucalyptus salubris and Wandoo E. capillosa woodlands in the Western Australian wheatbelt. For each woodland type, plant variables were measured for relatively undisturbed woodlands, woodlands with >30 years of livestock grazing history, and woodlands in road-verges. Grazed and road-verge Gimlet and Wandoo woodlands had significantly higher cover of exotic species, and lower species richness of native plants, compared with undisturbed Gimlet and Wandoo. Exotic plant invasion was significantly greater in Gimlet woodlands for both grazed (mean 78% cover) and road-verge sites (mean 42% cover) than in comparable sites in Wandoo woodlands (grazed sites 25% cover, road-verge sites 19% cover). There was no significant difference in the species richness of exotic plants between Wandoo and Gimlet sites for any of the three situations. Mean site richness of native plants was not significantly different between undisturbed Wandoo and undisturbed Gimlet woodlands. Undisturbed woodlands were significantly richer in plant species than grazed and road-verge woodlands for both woodland types. Grazed and road-verge Wandoo sites were significantly richer in plant species than communities in grazed and road-verge Gimlet. The percent cover of exotics was negatively correlated with total (native) plant species richness for both woodland types (Wandoo r = ?0.70, Gimlet r = ?0.87). Of the total native species recorded in undisturbed Gimlet, 83% and 61% were not recorded in grazed and road-verge Gimlet, respectively. This compared with 40% and 33% for grazed and road-verge Wandoo, respectively. Grazed Wandoo and grazed Gimlet sites had significantly fewer native plant species than did road-verge Wandoo and road-verge Gimlet sites. Ecosystem implications of differential invasions by exotic species, and the effects of grazing (disturbance) and other factors influencing susceptibility to exotic plant invasion (landscape, competition and allelopathy) on native species decline are discussed. Exclusion of livestock and adequate methods of control and prevention of further invasions by exotic plants are essential requirements for the conservation of these woodland systems.

scholarly journals Along urbanization sprawl, exotic plants distort native bee (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) assemblages in high elevation Andes ecosystem

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia Henríquez-Piskulich ◽  
Alejandro Vera ◽  
Gino Sandoval ◽  
Cristian Villagra
Keyword(s):  
High Altitude ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Extreme Environments ◽  
Exotic Plants ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Native Bees ◽  
Exotic Plant ◽  
Exotic Plant Species ◽  
Pollination Services ◽  
Native Bee

Native bees contribute with a considerable portion of pollination services for endemic as well as economically important plant species. Their decline has been attributed to several human-derived influences including global warming as well as the reduction, alteration and loss of bees’ habitat. Moreover, together with human expansion comes along the introduction of exotic plant species with negative impacts over native ecosystems. Anthropic effects may have even a deeper impact on communities adapted to extreme environments, such as high elevation habitats, where abiotic stressors alone are a natural limitation to biodiversity. In these, human-borne alterations, such as the introduction of exotic plants and urbanization, may have a greater influence on native communities. In this work we explored such problem, studying the relationship between landscape and its effect over richness and abundance of native bees from the subandean belt in the Andes mountain chain. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of exotic plant abundance on this high-altitude bee assemblage. Despite landscape did not show an effect over bee richness and abundance, exotic plants did have a significant influence over native bee assemblage. The abundance of exotic plants was associated with a relative increase in the proportion of small and medium bee species. Moreover, Halictidae was the only family that appeared to be favored by an increase in the abundance of exotic plant species. We discuss these results and the urgent need for further research of high-altitude environments due to their vulnerability and high endemicity.

Exotic Plant Species in Old-Growth Forest in Indiana

Weed Science ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 55 (4) ◽  
pp. 299-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. S. Weber ◽  
K. D. Gibson
Keyword(s):  
Exotic Species ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Agricultural Landscape ◽  
Minor Component ◽  
Woody Species ◽  
Exotic Plant ◽  
Old Growth ◽  
Exotic Plant Species ◽  
Low Frequencies ◽  
Old Growth Forest

Old-growth forest in Indiana consists of a few remnant stands in a fragmented agricultural landscape. Old-growth stands can differ substantially from more recently disturbed stands in species composition and may be less susceptible to invasion by exotic plant species. Herbaceous species were sampled in quadrats placed in a repeating pattern along two perpendicular transects in six Old-growth stands in Indiana in spring and summer of 2005. Transects extended from forest edges to the center of each stand. Woody exotic species were sampled in 10-m-wide belts centered on each transect during the summer sampling run. Herbaceous exotic species were a minor component of the understory community in all stands and accounted for less than 1% of total herbaceous cover in all six stands. Exotic woody species generally followed a similar pattern. Four sites contained no more than two woody exotic species, and these were encountered at relatively low frequencies and densities. However, European privet and multiflora rose were present in 27 and 48% of quadrats in one stand, respectively. Thus, although both herbaceous and woody exotic species were relatively rare, heavy infestations of woody exotic species are possible. This suggests that, for some Old-growth sites, exotic species can overcome both local and landscape factors that limit their abundance.

scholarly journals Mushrooms of Grand Teton National Park

1979 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 39-41
Author(s):  
Kent McKnight
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
National Park Service ◽  
Annual Report ◽  
University Of Wyoming ◽  
Fruiting Bodies ◽  
Grand Teton National Park ◽  
Two New Species ◽  
Park Service ◽  
Floristic Studies ◽  
The University

The objective is an inventory of the "mushrooms'' to be found in Grand Teton National Park. The study includes all macromycetes of fungi with macroscopic or large, conspicuous fruiting bodies. Most are fleshy or woody Ascomycetes or Basidiomycetes but some are classified in other major taxa. Although there are no published floristic studies of the fungi of this area occasional and sporadic records of collections from the Tetons or Yellowstone are published, including type collections of at least two new species: Cortinarius ashii McKnight & Dublin (1975) and Lactarius gossypinus Hesler & Smith (1979). An interim report listing 131 species was submitted as a contribution to the University of Wyoming-National Park Service Annual Report for 1978 (McKnight, 1978).

scholarly journals Identification of Interflow Pathways and Potential Wetland Sites in the Kelly Hayfields

2011 ◽  
Vol 33 ◽  
pp. 47-49
Author(s):  
Clayton Marlow ◽  
Kelly McCloskey
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
National Park Service ◽  
Collaborative Effort ◽  
Agricultural Lands ◽  
Stream Channels ◽  
Grand Teton National Park ◽  
Service Restoration ◽  
Park Service

The primary goals of this collaborative effort are: 1) to inventory the Kelly Hayfields for the location of stream channels and wetland areas that existed prior to homesteading and 2) evaluate the utility of wetland criteria developed on the Elk Ranch Hayfields for identification of historic wetland areas in the Antelope Flats area. Successful identification of pre-existing stream and wetland locations will enhance National Park Service restoration efforts of the Kelly Hayfields and other abandoned agricultural lands within Grand Teton National Park.

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