New Approaches to Invasive Management:
Management and Planning
Jim Anderson,
Managing invasive species, planning the control and prioritizing sites is a crucial issue for many land managers in the region. Even in woodlands where biodiversity appears high, it may surprise some to learn just how many species are considered invasive.
Anytime a land management agency begins to step in and address an issue, whether it concerns people or invasive species, we have to address their impacts. Generally, most of the forest preserves in the region do this by developing integrated management plans. Unfortunately, these plans often become lengthy, inclusive documents and many have suggested that we simplify the management plans and develop some management schedules. In practice, this is difficult because an appropriate plan requires a comprehensive evaluation of the site and it's issues.
We evaluate a site and develop a managment plan considering the area's location, recreational uses, physical environment, biological environment, as well as the goals and objectives of the project. Some of the issues related to invasive species have to be critically thought out before you start to take the road toward eradication. Can you provide a sustained effort to controlling the species? ...and when you're dealing with 27,000 acres as we are, you have to prioritize what you're going to go after and where your efforts can be best placed. We employ recent research, technology, volunteers and collaborations to ensure that managements plans are effective.
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Jim Anderson
Biography
Jim Anderson has been the Natural Resource Manager for the Lake County Forest Preserve District for 13 years where he is responsible for the planning and implementation of land management practices on 25,000 + acres.
Jim’s educational background includes a B.S. in Aquatic Invertebrates and Streams and a M.A. in Ecological Restoration. He is actively involved with a variety of Chicago Wilderness efforts, i.e. Prescribed Fire Training, Wetland Conservation Strategy.