The Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program oversees the park’s management of plant and animal pests. Treatments are based on an understanding of the biology of the pest and use the least-toxic treatment that is effective. Managing pests includes correctly identifying the pest, preventing infestations whenever possible, setting thresholds for treatment, monitoring the effectiveness of treatments, and education, when appropriate. Park pests include non-native invasive plants such as purple loosestrife, non-native animals that disrupt natural systems such as European red ants, nuisance animals such as raccoons, beavers, bees and wasps, and structural pests such as carpenter ants and rodents.