Field Techniques for Invasive Plant Management

Target Audience:

Refuge managers, biologists, other refuge staff (especially refuge maintenance staff), and natural resource professionals who are interested in beginning or expanding an invasive plant management program.

Summary and Objectives:

This course introduces participants to invasive plant management at the field level. Instruction will include invasive plant ecology, road maintenance and its influence on the introduction and distribution of invasive plants, mapping and monitoring invasive plants, invasive plant control methods, the proper and safe use of recommended equipment, and applicable Refuge System policy. Participants will also learn about preparing pesticide use proposals, interpreting herbicide labels, and identifying best management practices.

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Identify the characteristics of invasive plants and describe their impacts on the landscape.
• List and describe invasive plant vectors and pathways.
• Understand the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's policy for pesticide use, including applicable laws, authorities, and certification requirements.
• Interpret pesticide labels and identify elements required for Pesticide Use Proposals.
• Recognize and record invasive plant sites on the landscape using North American Weed Management Association standards.
• Conduct a site evaluation, including identifying target species and discerning proper control method(s) and timing regimes for effective invasive plant control.
• Demonstrate the ability to develop and maintain a recordkeeping system for invasive plant treatment.
• Demonstrate proper selection and use of equipment, including calibration of dispensing equipment and application of herbicides according to product labels and guidelines.

Competencies Addressed:

Plant Ecology - Intermediate, Field Data Collection - Intermediate, Geospatial Information Systems - Basic, Environmental Compliance - Intermediate, Planning and Evaluating