Aztec Ruins NM Exotic Plant Inventory

The first step in controlling exotic species in national parks is to inventory which invasive species occur and where. Once this distribution information is obtained, park staff can prioritize (1) which exotic species should be controlled first based on their invasiveness and feasibility of control and (2) which park areas should be controlled first based on their conservation status and restoration potential.

An exotic plant inventory was completed in Aztec Ruins National Monument. Fifty-seven exotic plant species were found, with the highest cover in the riparian areas. None of the sampling areas were weed-free.