The National Park Service faces every imaginable pest. It is responsible for 45,000 buildings, for historic gardens on the estates of past presidents, for cornfields in Civil War battlefields, for many thousands of museum artifacts, and for all the native plants and animals in a variety of habitats from swamps to high mountains. Each can attract pests. Pest Management Policy Many insects are commonly regarded as pests, and many plants are regarded as weeds. The National Park Service has a high tolerance for pests and weeds and manages them only if they interfere with the objectives of national parks or jeopardize human health or safety.
Exotic species can become pests and are managed aggressively.
Species that are native to national parks are controlled only under extraordinary circumstances. The highest level of protection is given to native species in natural areas. In developed areas of parks such as campgrounds and administrative localities, the full range of pest management options is employed. Agency policy requires an assessment of the probability of successful management of a pest. Turf weeds can be successfully managed with proper mowing, irrigation, and fertilization.