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ARS Home » Plains Area » Fort Collins, Colorado » Center for Agricultural Resources Research » Water Management and Systems Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #399029
Research Project: Improving Resiliency of Semi-Arid Agroecosystems and Watersheds to Change and Disturbance through Data-Driven Research, AI, and Integrated Models

Location: Water Management and Systems Research

Title: The invasive plant data landscape: A synthesis of spatial data and applications for research and management in the United States

Author
item FUSCO, E - Us Forest Service (FS)
item BEAURY, E - Princeton University
item BRADLEY, B - University Of Massachusetts, Amherst
item COX, M - Us Forest Service (FS)
item JARNEVICH, C - Us Geological Survey (USGS)
item Mahood, Adam
item NAGY, R - University Of Colorado
item NIETUPSKI, T - Us Forest Service (FS)
item HALOFSKY, J - Us Forest Service (FS)

Submitted to: Landscape Ecology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/27/2023
Publication Date: 3/30/2023
Citation: Fusco, E.J., Mahood, A.L., Beaury, E.M., Bradley, B.A., Cox, M., Jarnevich, C.S., Nagy, R.C., Nietupski, T., Halofsky, J.E. 2023. The invasive plant data landscape: A synthesis of spatial data and applications for research and management in the United States. Landscape Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10980-023-01623-z.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10980-023-01623-z

Interpretive Summary: There is a large number of datasets that catalogue invasive plant distributions researchers and land managers can use. However, the large number and variety of available datasets can be difficult to navigate, and can overwhelm the intended end-users. We synthesize types of invasive plant distribution data sources. We highlight widely used datasets and their potential applications and limitations for research and management. We describe gaps in our current invasive species datasets and outline a path forward for improving the use of invasive plant data in the future.

Technical Abstract: An increase in the number and availability of datasets cataloguing invasive plant distributions has offered opportunities to expand our understanding, monitoring, and managing of invasives across spatial scales. These datasets, created using on the ground observations and modeling techniques, are made both for and by researchers and managers. However, the large number and variety of available datasets can be difficult to navigate, sometimes require high levels of data literacy, and can overwhelm the intended end-users. Here, we synthesize types of invasive plant distribution data sources, highlighting widely used datasets and their potential applications and limitations for research and management. We also describe gaps in our current invasive species distribution data options and outline a path forward for improving the use of invasive plant data in future research and management.