Invasive Species Program
As North Carolina continues to urbanize, our state parks become an even more important component of our landscape. Invasive species, or plants or animals that have no natural predators and can harm the environment, continue to spread throughout the south largely unchecked, and the control of invasive species within state parks is becoming increasingly critical in protecting and restoring the integrity of native biological communities. Our mission is to protect our state’s native plants, animals, and natural communities by preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species.
Our staff carefully plan each invasive species management project. Generally, a site with an invasive species is mapped, then a prescription is developed for the site. An invasive species prescription includes information like what species are present, and what herbicides and application methods are recommended to manage the invasive species. Herbicide applications are only conducted under the supervision of supervised professionals.
A variety of methods can be used to manage invasive species. Depending on the time of year, the species of concern, and site factors (like streams, soil type, or steep slopes) are all considered before we choose the best tools and methods to manage an invasive species.
- Methods we use to manage invasive species include:
- Foliar application (backpack sprayers, hand sprayers, UTV sprayer, drone aerial spraying)
- Basal bark
- Hack and Squirt
- Cut Stump
- Mechanical (mowing, cutting, hand pulling, girdling)
- Grazing (goats)
- Rx fire
- Biological controls
Invasive species present difficult challenges that usually lack quick or easy solutions. Because of this, carefully targeted planning, prioritization, treatment, and monitoring are critical. Keep reading to learn more about invasive species management in North Carolina State Parks!