Description
Main TitleAn Overview of Nonindigenous Plant Species in New Jersey
PublisherNew Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), Division of Parks and Forestry, Office of Natural Lands Management, Natural Heritage Program
Date Created2004-02-01
Subject (Geographic - Hierarchical)
Country: United States
State: New Jersey
County: NA
Subject (Topical)botany; community awareness; ecology; ecosystems; educational-student; educational-teacher; environmental education; environmental impact; geography; habitats; landscape; plants; soils; vegetation; biodiversity; nonindigenous; invasive; exotic; adventive; alien; escaped; established; foreign weeds; fugitive; introduced; naturalized; nonnative; waif
DescriptionNew Jersey has a rich native flora which includes more than 2,100 kinds of native plants, a number that is comparable to states that are three to four times greater in size. These include some of our nation's rarest plant species, some of which are found nowhere else on the planet. New Jersey and its rich floral diversity should be a source of pride to all its citizens. However, the Garden State's natural habitats are now suffering from an onslaught of nonindigenous plant species introduced from all parts of the globe. More than one thousand nonindigenous plant species have become established in New Jersey. Some of these species cause harm by crowding out native species, contributing to species extinctions, altering the structure of natural plant communities, disrupting ecosystem functions, and degrading recreational opportunities. Harmful invasive plants are despoiling many of our open spaces including preserves such as Island Beach State Park, Rancocas State Park, and the Black River Natural Area. Invasive species are now recognized as a threat to the health of biodiversity throughout the nation and the resulting ecological damage is costing millions of dollars in economic losses. This report provides background on the numbers and origins of nonindigenous species in New Jersey, discusses problems caused by harmful invasive species, describes current state and federal programs, and examines methods of control and prevention. Fact sheets on 27 of the most problematic invasive species have been developed to help guide management and control initiatives.
NoteThis report is dedicated to the memory of Thomas F. Breden,
Administrator of the Office of Natural Lands Management,
who was instrumental in its creation.
Genrereports
Organization NameRutgers University Libraries
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