Prevention includes any activity that will keep invasive species from invading or spreading into a new area. Unfortunately, any person, pet, vehicle or piece of wood coming in and out of a park is a potential pathway for invading species.
Each park faces unique challenges in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species. Some common prevention activities used by parks are keeping roadsides weed free to prevent the spread of invasives along transportation corridors, using weed seed free feed to prevent livestock and pack animals from spreading invasive plants, and washing vehicles and equipment before leaving areas infested with invasive species. Educating visitors, park employees, and neighbors is a critical step in fortifying our National Parks against invasive species. Visitors to parks play a very important role in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species. To learn more about how you can prevent the spread of invasive species, click here.