2012 NAIPSC Problem Sets
Day 1
Day 1 – Morning Sessions (Principles of Invasive Species Management, Plant Identification)
Question 1. Effective vegetation management can be characterized as integrated vegetation
management (IVM). IVM should have an ecosystem-based approach that focuses on long-term
strategies to minimize losses (to habitats) by using tools that are cost effective and reduce
disturbance. How can the skills of the manager/landowner and availability of tools, equipment
and resources influence the control of unwanted vegetation?
Question 2. The widespread distribution of weeds has numerous examples, including leafy
spurge, purple loosestrife and downy brome. Since dispersal mechanisms are a universal
characteristic of weeds, why would plant identification be important in the implementation of
certain control tools?
Day 1 – Afternoon Session (Herbicides, Plant Physiology, Biological Control)
Question 3. A land owner or manager may know how invasive plant control is done, but they
may not be aware of why they have or are having a problem with invasive plants. From a
control standpoint, why would it be important to know the ‘why’ of invasive plant
establishment? How important is timing in strategizing management for both short- and longterm periods?
Question 4. If weeds are considered harmful organisms that can threaten landowners
(economics), users (recreation) and other plant species (native), what might be a regional
approach, which includes management and policy, for addressing a particular species? For
policy, what tools would encourage buy-in from agencies and private landowners? For
management, what ecological processes might be manipulated that promote native or desired
vegetation?
2011 NAIPSC Problem Sets
Day 2
Day 2 – Morning Sessions (IVM in Rangeland and Riparian Areas, Technology for Invasive Plant
Species)
Question 5. Invasive plant species that infest rangelands and riparian areas and can span large
areas and involve terrain with limited access. The assessment of the scope of the infestation
should be accomplished to allocate resources to meet management objectives, including
potential eradication. The location of invasive plant population(s) within a range of plant
communities may allow ranking the infestation(s) for control, prioritizing first on those likely to
expand quickly. What decision tools exist to help make landscape-level management decisions?
How can these tools be implemented? What survey techniques are appropriate when
considering the goal of the survey effort?
Day 2 – Afternoon Sessions (Field Sites: Riparian, Wild land, Rangeland)
Question 7. Canada thistle continues to be a problematic weed in wild land settings and can be
found in most North American states and Canadian provinces. The most effective control
efforts include an integrated approach that focuses on reducing seed from plants and in the soil
(seed bank) and vegetative structures that occur underground. Even with the available IWM
tools, the weed still possesses significant staying power. What are some of the reasons for the
resilience of Canada thistle in wild lands? What are the considerations that need extra attention
for managing a weed with multiple dispersal mechanisms?
Question 8. Grasslands are regions in North America that have been invaded by non-native
annual plant species. For long-term, sustainable restoration efforts, the establishment of native
plant communities is highly desirable and a goal of most landowners and managers, including
those concerned about improving grass forage. For site of your choice, describe the
development of a revegetation/restoration plan (e.g., seed mix, seeding rates, management)
for the establishment of a native or desirable plant community that is most likely to resist
invasions by non-natives? In your answer, be sure to include location, site characteristics (e.g.,
climate, soil type, riparian, rangeland, wild land, forest), target invasive plant(s), desirable plant
community composition, approach for establishing desirables and preventing invasives.
2011 NAIPSC Problem Sets
Day 3
Day 3 – Morning Sessions (Plant Identification, Management Planning)
Question 9. In the plant identification discussion session, skills of participants will be tested through the
use vegetative keys to identify 2 or 3 plants based on unknown plant samples. Informal discussion will
be included during this time.
1) Mystery plant #1:
2) Mystery plant #2:
3) Mystery plant #3:
Question 10. Based on the activities in the Technology and GPS/GIS sessions on Day 2, describe
how the mapping and spatial analysis would help in the development of a long-term
management plan.
Day 3 – Afternoon Session (Early Detection Rapid Response)
Question 11. It has been said that invasive plants are similar to cancer: they spread (slowly or
sometimes quickly) across the landscape and remain unnoticed until it is too late. It has also
been said that “a stitch in time saves nine”. How feasible is prevention in managing invasive
plants? Is Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) a better solution than current or traditional
management strategies? If so, then how? If not, why not?