Nonnative Species

Yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis) is a common weed problem at park sites in Idaho and Washington.

NPS photo

Invasions of exotic species represent one of the most serious threats to natural ecosystem integrity (NRC 2002). Biological invasions are occurring at accelerated rates in nearly every major ecosystem (Mooney and Hobbs 2000). Invasive nonnative plant species are of concern given their ability to quickly expand into new areas, compete with and exclude native species, and alter ecosystem processes. At Nez Perce National Historical Park, invasive plants pose one of the greatest threats to natural and cultural resources and have been identified as a high priority management concern.

"Weeds" can be defined in many ways. To the average person, the term "weed" refers to:

· A plant growing where it is not wanted,

· A plant out of place,

· Plants that are a nuisance, unsightly, or harmful, and/or

· A plant whose virtues have yet to be discovered (Ross et al. 2008).

 

Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) often occurs near pastures and cropland and is present throughout much of Idaho. All plant parts are poisonous. It is native to Europe and North Africa.

NSP photo

The mission of the National Park Service is to "conserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the enjoyment of this and future generations" (NPS 1999). To uphold this goal, park staff are making a concerted effort to locate, identify, and treat weeds with proven Integrated Pest Management procedures. This is important to prevent federally and state listed noxious weeds and other nonnative species from invading and eventually conquering the native plant communities found here.

Managing nonnative invasive plants is especially important to National Parks such as Nez Perce National Historical Park because native plants have historically been important to native peoples. For the Nez Perce, native plants are still important today.