Exploring Lessons Learned and Best Practices for Invasive Species Management across Virginia’s State Parks
Research Location:
Virginia, USA
Conservation Partners:
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation-Virginia State Parks
Student Researcher
Emily Yang, Major: BiologyFaculty Mentor
Erica GarroutteProject Description
The spread of invasive species, a species that is non-native (or alien) to an ecosystem and whose introduction has caused or is likely to cause economic, environmental, and human health challenges, is an urgent concern across Virginia. Economic losses due to invasive species are estimated at more than $120 billion annual across the US (Pimentel et al. 2005) and up to $1 billion annually in Virginia due to their damage to crops, contribution to forest loss, impact on human diseases, and the cost of control. Management of invasive species in Virginia is challenging because of their ability to expand rapidly, the cost of controlling the species, the fact that each species has slightly different ecology and management approach, and the evolving nature of these invasive species and their impacts on native species and ecosystems.
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation is interested in collaboration with a William & Mary student to conduct a review of lessons learned and best practices for managing a diversity of invasive species across their network of Virginia’s State Parks. The student will review the literature, management plans and will interview invasive species managers from state, local and federal agencies, private landowners, non-profit organizations and Indigenous communities and local people to explore best practices and strategies for management of invasive species in Virginia.
The student will also explore the list of invasive species of concern in Virginia and will provide recommendations on best practices and priorities for the state parks to curb the spread and impact of invasive species and their impacts. This research will contribute to the Virginia State Parks Invasive Species Management Plan.
