S national Park Service U. S. Department of the Interior Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Management Directive No. 038 Preventing Introduction and Spread of Invasive Non-Native Plants August 18, 2004 contents

National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Management Directive No. 038

Preventing Introduction and Spread of Invasive Non-Native Plants

August 18, 2004

PURPOSE

This policy establishes guidelines to prevent the introduction and spread of non-native plant species within Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and Devils Postpile National Monument. It covers all activities performed by government employees, park concessioners, permittees, contractors, and partners.

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  Non-native species will not be allowed to displace native species if displacement can be prevented (NPS Management Policies 2001, 4.4.4).
  

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  New non-native species will not be introduced into parks, except in specific rare situations (NPS Management Policies 2001, 4.4.4.1).
  
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  Livestock will be fed pelletized feed or hay that is free of weed seeds (NPS Management Policies 2001, 8.6.8.2).
  
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  Activities may not be categorically excluded from NEPA if they contribute to the introduction, continued existence, or spread of federally listed noxious weeds (DO-12 Handbook 3.5N, Federal Noxious Weed Control Act).
  
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  Activities may not be categorically excluded from NEPA if they contribute to the introduction, continued existence, or spread of non-native invasive species or actions that may promote the introduction, growth, or expansion of the range of non-native invasive species (DO-12 Handbook 3.5O, Executive Order 13112).
  

By far the most efficient and cost-effective way to keep invasive non-native plants from displacing native species is to (1) prevent the entry of non-native plants into the parks, and (2) prevent the spread of existing non-native plant populations within the parks. Once new populations of non-native plants establish they may multiply rapidly. As a consequence, removal can be extremely difficult and costly. The importance of a strong prevention program as a vital component in the management of invasive non-native plants cannot be overstated.

This policy covers the following activities that have the highest probability of contributing to the introduction and spread of non-native plants:

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  Landscaping and planting of vegetation, including maintenance of cultural landscapes
  
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  Construction, restoration, and fire activities, including import of equipment, import of materials, and soil disturbance.
  
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  Import of livestock and feed
  
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  Movement of people and equipment from frontcountry sites, such as heliports, pack stations, and trailheads, into pristine backcountry sites.
  

NEED FOR POLICY

Invasive non-native plants can spread across landscapes and quickly become difficult or impossible to control. Invasive plants can out-compete native vegetation, diminishing native plant diversity and endangering rare plant and animal species. Invasive plants can reduce wildlife habitat and forage and cause illness, injury, and sometimes death in wildlife and livestock. Areas invaded by non-native plants frequently have greater rates of soil erosion and stream sedimentation because invasive plant monocultures tend to be poorer at holding topsoil in place than native plant communities. Invasive plants can alter soil nutrient and moisture levels; these changed growing conditions may displace natives and favor further non-native plant invasions. Invasive plants can increase fire frequency and change the burning season. These altered fire regimes may favor further non-native plant invasion. Invasive plants can cause the deterioration and loss of wetland meadows. Finally, many invasive plants are spiny and can turn a formerly pleasant recreational experience into a painful encounter for visitors.