High Sierra Topix

Yosemite extends public review period for invasive plants management plan

Mariposa and Yosemite
Merced Sun-Star
Wednesday, Apr. 21, 2010

Yosemite National Park has announced the extension of the public review period for the park's invasive plant management plan.

The review period will close on May 15. Yosemite is home to about 1,400 plant species, more than 400 of which are native to the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Non-native invasive plants are considered a threat to flora and fauna within the park.

In 2008, the National Park Service introduced a conservative invasive plant management plan, the first of its kind in the Western United States, according to a press release.

Goals for a revised plan include allowing managers the ability to eradicate weed infestations, assessing the risk of using herbicides within the park and preserving native plants and sites used by American Indians.

An open house will be held April 28, from 1 to 4 p.m., in Yosemite Valley. A 2:30 p.m. walk with a park botanist will address some of the challenges and successes in the battle to protect biodiversity in Yosemite.

To submit a written idea or comment about the plan, visit http://parkplanning.nps.gov/yose" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;, or send a letter to: Superintendent, Yosemite National Park, Attn: IPMP Update EA, P.O. Box 577, Yosemite, CA 95389.

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