Abstract

Efficient data collection and database management system for invasive control
Track: Environmental Management
Authors: Yi-Chin Fang

Invasive plants are considered a serious threat to the diverse natural environments of California. These weeds can completely crowd out native plants, reducing water resources and habitat quality for native wildlife and increase fire risk. Numerous invasive species occur on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Surveys were recently conducted to obtain baseline information on the distribution of plant populations and to prioritize target species for control activities. Volunteers, staff, and contractors are diligently treating these populations of invasive species, but their efforts and effectiveness have been difficult to track. To save data management time and improve data consistency, we developed a digital reporting system using a geodatabase, Google Earth, and a customized Excel data sheet for volunteers to use to input their invasive control data into our database. With this system we will more easily be able to monitor efforts and measure effectiveness of invasive control with limited resources.