Obstacles to removing non-native species from a national park

Abstract

Throughout its history, the National Park Service has sought to eliminate or control non-native species within its units. The growing influence of science in natural resource management has made this mandate ever more imperative. Removal of invasive vegetation has proven extremely difficult and may never be complete in many parks. Efforts to eliminate domesticated animals and feral or wild invaders have met many obstacles as well. Channel Islands National Park has managed to get rid of sheep, cattle, pigs, burros, horses, deer, elk, rats, cats, rabbits, turkeys, Argentine ants, and European honey bees. In the process, park managers have had to work through or overcome eight types of impediments as well as virulent opposition. Lessons learned from these campaigns can inform other park managers facing the same types of problems.