Invasives that are already here must be prevented from infesting new areas. We should be eradicating new infestations and containing large infestations. We must expand and improve on systems for detecting, reporting and monitoring new infestations of invasive plants. We must convince others to use native species for ornamental and conservation purposes. Most importantly, we must make a conscious effort to restore disturbed areas to prevent reinvasion by exotics.
Several programs are underway.
We will be treating infestations of Tree of Heaven this summer in an attempt to determine the most effective means of control. Armed with good information from foresters at GPU, we will be testing a number of control methods. During this past year we submitted proposals for funds to control the spread of purple loosestrife. Using information gathered at other park units and Cornell University, we selected a combination of bio-control, mechanical removal and herbicide methods that will be tried if funds are available. Both the larvae as well as adults attack the plant.