Managing invasive plants at Grasslands National Park

In Grasslands National Park, there are numerous populations of invasive alien plant species (IAP) that reduce ecological integrity and habitat for species at risk. The objective of this project is to reduce the spread and occurrence of IAP in the park by 1) targeting those species that have the greatest impact on native prairie ecosystems and the greatest likelihood of spreading, and 2) implementing surveying programs to detect establishing populations before they become too difficult to eradicate. Efforts focus on containing or eradicating patches of Leafy Spurge, Absinth Wormwood, Common Burdock, Downy Brome and Japanese Brome, five species with high priority and limited distribution across the park. Surveying near known patches for new occurrences is part of the park's Early Detection program. Grasslands National Park is partnering with the local Weed Management Area to conduct neighbour education and engagement to reduce and contain IAP in the greater park ecosystem. Approach: — Finalize the 5-year Invasive Plant Management Plan that includes prioritization methods for IAP species, pathways of invasion, and vectors of spread. This plan will be implemented over the next 5 years to guide management actions. — Target resources for the highest priority IAP species for control, and carefully document our activities and effectiveness using a newly designed GIS database. — Target the highest priority pathways and routes for mitigating the introduction and spread of IAP species. For instance, spread around established populations and along trails is likely, thus we will survey the perimeters of these areas for undocumented populations. — Work with Visitor Experience staff to create outreach materials encouraging visitors to report weeds with the iNaturalist phone app, thus helping to reduce the spread of IAPs along trails. — Work with Asset staff to ensure that machinery is cleaned regularly as it is moved around the park for maintenance tasks.