Early Detection of Invasive Species Monitoring

Early detection of invasive species is part of the Inventory and Monitoring (I&M) program established by the National Park Service. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is under the jurisdiction of the Eastern Rivers and Mountains Network (ERMN), who classify and update invasive species that pose serious threats to a park's ecosystem. Monitoring invasive species of concern is a preventive method that decreases the likelihood that invasive pests will become established in new areas. This surveillance monitoring can be done with the help of NPS crews, cooperators, resource managers, volunteers, and visitors.

See the pictures below for forest pests and plant species on the early detection list for New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.

For more information, visit the ERMN website about early detection: https://science.nature.nps.gov/im/units/ermn/monitor/earlydetection.cfm