Geographical Analysis of the Distribution and Spread of Exotic Plant Species in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

The effects of introduced exotic species in natural environments are becoming important issues in conservation biology and natural resource management and recent scientific literature reveals increasing concern regarding the spread of invasive exotic plant species (Allen, 1996; Vitousek et al, 1996; Walker and Smith, 1997). Ecological consequences of these species include increased competition for space, water, and nutrients with native plants (which could result in a decrease in biodiversity), decreased forage quality for native ungulates, and changes in the rnicroenvironments where the establishments took place (Woods, 1997). Sheley et al ( 1998) list several ecologically and economically detrimental impacts of exotic species.