MODELING THE IMPACT OF INVASIVE SPECIES – COLLABORATION BETWEEN SCIENTISTS AND MANAGERS

SIMPPLLE is a spatially explicit, landscape level simulation system that can serve as a vehicle for transferring research results to managers for inclusion in landscape analysis and planning processes. Invasive species research by Lisa Floyd-Hanna, David Hanna, William Romme and Tim Crews: “Non-Native Invasions Following Fire in Southwestern Colorado: Long-Term Effectiveness of Mitigation Treatments and Future Predictions” is incorporated into SIMPPLLE for the Colorado Plateau. Sets of simulations for a twenty year period are used to provide quantification of changes in levels of fire, fire frequency, and fire event sizes due to the expansion of cheatgrass within Mesa Verde National Park. The process of incorporating the research into the model and making simulations facilitates collaboration between resource managers and scientists. The simulation results are used to quantify and evaluate the impact that cheatgrass may have on decisions relating to the protection of cultural and biological resources. These results will be included as an addendum to the Fire Management Plan for Mesa Verde National Park in March, 2006. This work is being done under a joint project with RMRS, USGS, and Mesa Verde National Park, FRAME (Framing Research for Adaptive Management of Ecosystems).