Invasive Species Strategy

Invasive Species Management Plan: This document facilitates collaborative invasive plant management in the Oak Openings Region. Actions identified in the plan are carried out by members of the Oak Openings Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA), which is housed within the GRI Stewardship Subcommittee. The strategy and the numerous tools GRI has developed (appendices) are intended to help land managers effectively and efficiently combat invasive plants in the Oak Openings.

• Appendix A: Oak Openings Plant Assessment Protocol to establish management priority for invasive plants within the region. The assessment is structured so that emerging species are considered a higher priority for management than widespread species that are difficult to manage, even if the two species have the same biological/ecological threat level.
• Appendix B: Oak Openings Threat Matrix A decision-support tool for land managers and should be used to guide invasive species management.
• Appendix C: Ecological Niche Model Uses species occurrence data and environmental variables to predict suitable habitat for invasive plant species with Maxent. Outputs can be used to plan monitoring and management activities that focus on EDRR by predicting areas likely to be invaded by individual invasive plants.
• Appendix D: Train-the-Trainer Modules  To be used by land managers and volunteers to train field staff and crews. Addressees management and monitoring efforts in the region while having a consistent message. Includes PowerPoint presentations and lesson plans for herbaceous invasive species control, woody invasive species control, monitoring for management, native seed collection and propagation and restoration tools
• Appendix E: Best Management Practices Provide detailed information on invasive species management in the Oak Openings, including guidelines for mechanical, chemical, and biological treatments, prevention of spread by equipment, and specific methods for individual species.
• Appendix F: Oak Openings Rapid Assessment Method A method to quickly assess habitat quality and track improvements at both site and landscape scales.