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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Burns, Oregon » Range and Meadow Forage Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #286941
Title: Adaptive management in EBIPM: A key to success in invasive plant management

Author
item LEFFLER, ALAN
item Sheley, Roger

Submitted to: Rangelands
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/25/2012
Publication Date: 12/1/2012
Citation: Leffler, A.J., Sheley, R.L. 2012. Adaptive management in EBIPM: A key to success in invasive plant management. Rangelands. 34(6):44-47.

Interpretive Summary: When land managers apply tools and strategies to landscapes for invasive plant management and restoration activities, they need a feedback loop to recognize how their management is changing the landscape. Adaptive management practiced within the framework of the ecologically-based invasive plant management (EBIPM) decision process will allow managers to set up a program to collect any needed data to evaluate the effects of their applications. The outcome of practicing adaptive management as part of EBIPM is that managers can react and change as needed while they continue to manage for invasive plants.

Technical Abstract: EBIPM is an important advancement in management of invasive plants. EBIPM puts land management decisions on a sound-footing based on ecological principles that cause plant community change. These principles, however, must be incorporated into the adaptive management cycle to truly make a change in how rangelands are managed. EBIPM should influence goals and objectives of the adaptive management plan, the treatment alternatives to be tested, and the variables that will be monitored. Along with sound experimental design, EBIPM in combination with adaptive management can greatly improve the chances of successfully managing invasive plant species.