Invasion of our National Parks. Allen, Julie^*,1, Brown, Cynthia ², Drees, Linda², Stohlgren, Thomas³, ¹ Colorado State University, Department of Bioagricultural Science and Pest Management, Fort Collins, CO² National Park Service, Biological Resources Management Division, Fort Collins, CO³ National Resource Ecology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO

ABSTRACT- Exotic species are a critical problem in the United States that have economic and ecological consequences. Exotic species can lead to habitat destruction, soil erosion, water pollution, loss of species diversity and an overall loss of ecosystem function. The National Park Service (NPS) was created to protect the nation's most precious natural resources and cultural features for present and future generations. However, this heritage is being threatened by the invasion of exotic plants and animals. These exotics are displacing native species and changing the landscape of our national parks. In an effort to address the damage of invasions, the NPS has inventoried the exotic species in those parks that have significant natural resources, documenting the identity of exotic species and the extent of their infestations. This database will allow us to investigate the correlations among exotic species and park characteristics and address management queries. For example, we will address the relationship among exotic species and miles of roads, number of visitors, elevation, and threatened and endangered species on the NPS units, as well as regional noxious weed lists. These findings will inform the science of biological invasions and the management of invasive species.©êþ

KEY WORDS: invasion, exotic species, National Park Service, invasive species management