News Release

Exotic Plant Management Plan Finalized

Prescribed burning of exotic river cane.

News Release Date: December 19, 2018

Contact: David Larson, 432-477-1143

BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK, TX - A National Park Service plan has been finalized to protect the natural and cultural resources of Big Bend National Park from the harmful effects of non-native plants, such as African buffelgrass, Lehman lovegrass, and tamarisk (saltcedar).

As required by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1970, the document and associated Environmental Assessment was made available in September 2018 for a 30-day public review and comment period. Substantive comments were considered in finalizing the document.

According to Park Superintendent Bob Krumenaker, “Non-native plants crowd out native species, alter wildland fire behavior, and diminish water quality and quantity in Big Bend’s desert ecosystem. This plan provides the framework to control exotic plants using a variety of techniques in order to protect and preserve park resources.”

The NPS will use an integrated approach to protect park resources and manage exotic plants. In addition to activities that already occur at Big Bend related to exotic plants, the NPS will add aerial assistance for monitoring and data-gathering; aerial application of herbicides; additional manual/mechanical treatments at select sites; additional herbicides and additives; and expanded scale and application of prescribed fire.

Acting NPS Intermountain Regional Director Kate Hammond signed the decision document, a Finding of No Significant Impact, on December 17. The plan, environmental assessment, and decision document are available at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/BIBE.