Invasive Vegetation Management Plan/Environmental Assessment

Yellowstone National Park has developed a parkwide plan to manage invasive plants. Invasive plants are sometimes referred to as nonnative, introduced or weed species. The plan presents an opportunity to expand current nonnative vegetation management efforts and to adopt a more integrated approach. This type of integrated approach looks at a combination of actions to be implemented together, or in stages, to control the spread of nonnative plants. It also looks beyond just treating plants toward a comprehensive program that includes prevention of new introductions as well as restoration of treated areas or disturbed lands.

Existing National Park Service policy directs park managers to take actions to ensure that nonnative plants that invade park lands are inventoried, and actions are taken to limit the potential damage these plants can cause. Nonnative vegetation management is a necessary part of each park's responsibility to protect natural resources and to help retain their inherent integrity.

An environmental assessment (EA) was prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to provide the decision-making framework that 1) explores a reasonable range of alternatives to meet the project objectives; 2) evaluates potential issues and impacts to park resources and values; 3)identifies mitigation measures to lessen the degree or extent of these impacts; and 4) describes an approach for land management decisions over the coming decades.

The EA and decision document (Finding of No Significant Impact or FONSI) are available by selecting the link for the "Document List" at left.