Maintaining Data on Invasive Species
Maintaining data on invasive species can be a difficult and time consuming task. The types of data you collect depends on the types of questions you want to answer. Although there will always be some variability in the data you collect, you may find it useful to standardize the more general categories of data you will consistently collect. The North American Weed Management Association, http://www.nawma.org/, has developed a data collection standard for invasive plant monitoring in the western United States and it has been adopted by several federal agencies, including US Forest Service and the National Park Service. Although the NAWMA Standard may not include all of the data fields you feel are necessary, it does standardize some of the most commonly collected data fields.
Below are links to forms that are being used by different agencies for varying purposes. They are categorized by general purpose for your convenience. Please note that not all forms follow the NAWMA standard. If you find one of these forms meets your data collection needs, or may act as a template for you to begin your own data collection form, please feel free to download the form to your computer.
General Information and National Organizations:
Summaries of Invasive Plant Data Collection Forms (Word file)
The North American Weed Management Association (NAWMA) - Weed Survey Field Form (PDF)
The North American Weed Management Association (NAWMA) - Weed Inventory Field Form (PDF)
TNC (The Nature Conservancy) Weed Information Management System (WIMS) – Occurrence Field Form (PDF)
TNC Weed Information Management System (WIMS) – Assessment Field Form (PDF)
United States Forest Service (USFS) Weed Survey Form (PDF)
Invasive Plant Field Form (US Forest Service, Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest) Detailed Purpose: This protocol is designed for the inventory, monitoring, and mapping of invasive plant populations. This method records information about the distribution and relative abundance of invasive plant species. It include parameters such as location, population size, and habitat information. The protocol focuses on presence, location, extent, and abundance of invasive species populations. Monitoring invasive species populations occurs through repeated observations, noting relative changes in location, extent, and density of the plant populations over time. There is a PDR version of this protocol called Rangeland PC. Intended Users: US Forest Service Staff, Data Standard Followed: NAWMA required fields
Contact: Linda R. Parker
National Park Service Monitory Form (PDF)
State Forms:
Illinois
Minnesota
Wisconsin
Invasive Plant Report Form (PDF)
Wisconsin INVASIVE PLANTS OF THE FUTURE Project - Invasive Plant Report Form (PDF) Detailed Purpose: To record collector information, species location and characteristics, habitat type and landmarks for easy relocation of 15 plant species targeted for early detection. Target species have been selected because of their potential for invasiveness in Wisconsin. These plants are either: 1) Already present but in localized populations or 2) Not known to be in Wisconsin but are likely to thrive in part or all of the state. Vouchers (pressed plants or detailed photographs) and the data form are mailed to the Wisconsin State Herbarium. Staff will confirm, with each collector, the correct identification of the plant. Guidelines for control can be provided. Intended Users: Agency staff, land managers, general public Data Standard Followed: Selected NAWMA required fields.
Contact: Wisconsin DNR - Kelly Kearns
For more information, contact MIPN at Info@MIPN.org
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