Problematic Species Management Plan

Management Plan for Invasive Species

Whenever certain species of plants and animals are present on a development site, it can cause any number of problems for the planning project. Not only is it possible for the proposed plans to harm potentially rare or valuable ecological features but specific plants that are listed as invasive species can negatively impact the natural environment, infrastructure and even human health.

Either as the result of known invasive plants in the local vicinity or following a previous problematic species audit undertaken on the site, it would be advisable for developers to arrange for one of our team to create a problematic species management plan. In doing that, a strategy can be put in place to control, contain and mitigate the impact of the invasive non-native species.

The Problematic Species Management Plan’s Place in Development Today

Otherwise recognised as an invasive species management plan, a problematic species management plan is a long-term strategy that sets out how pest plant species will be sufficiently controlled, mitigated and possibly even eradicated. The creation of management plans comes after a problematic species audit, using the data to set clear priorities, identify the main objectives and formalise actionable steps.

As a result of the species of invasive plants, potential measures could include herbicide treatment across affected areas, excavation of contaminated soils, marking out contaminated areas and ensuring they are avoided during the development process, the disposal of the plant itself at a licensed landfill site, and/or paying further visits to the site to monitor the future situation of present invasive species.

Invasive non-native plant species include:

Types of Clients that Plans Apply to

• Agriculturists and farmers dealing with invasive plants
• Cities and municipalities managing invasive species in urban areas
• Developers complying with environmental laws
• Fisheries and marine industries affected by invasive plants
• Landowners with abundant wildlife populations
• Local authorities and national governments managing conservation areas

Stages in Creating a Problematic Species Management Plan

A selection of different tasks and concerns may be integrated within a problematic species management plan, such as:

Confirmation of Management Goals

• Setting short-term and long-term targets
• Aligning aims with conservation and ecologic priorities

Consideration of Potential Management Approaches

• Containment
• Control
• Eradication
• Mitigation

Consideration of Potential Methods

• Biological Control
• Chemical Control
• Mechanical Control
• Habitat Management
• Legislative and Policy Measures

Implementation Plan

• Detailing the individuals in charge of initiating the plan
• Outlining the responsibilities of local communities, land managers and government agencies
• Mapping out the timelines and allocation of resources

Monitoring, Evaluation and Adaptive Management

• Creating key performance indicators (KPIs) to track success
• Undertaking regular surveys to monitor invasive species populations
• Tweaking the strategy based on the effectiveness

Public Awareness and Education

• Collaborating with local communities, relevant industries and the government
• Working proactively to raise awareness of the impact of problematic species
• Educating the public to prevent the spread and endorse responsible behaviour
• Encouraging volunteering opportunities for monitoring and removal
• Training farmers and landowners on managing species correctly

Deliberation of Additional Long-Term Strategies

• Investigating the availability of grants and government subsidies
• Ensuring the continued funding of long-term control efforts

Necessity for an Invasive Species Management Plan

As soon as an invasive plant species such as giant hogweed, Himalayan balsam or Japanese knotweed is found on a development site, the natural next step would be to have a problematic species management plan created. Inside of it, an ecological consultant can outline the potentially small or large number of invasive plants and include full details of how the infestation will be controlled, isolated and – ideally – eradicated completely.

The plans put together by our team use the latest standing guidance from the Environment Agency (EA) and ensure that the proposed steps will be compliant with legislative and policy requirements. Referring to Arbtech for a problematic species management plan whenever one is needed couldn’t be any more imperative, as it could be a requirement from the local planning authority when it comes to applying for planning permission.

Request a Free Quote from the Team at Arbtech

While non-invasive native plants aren’t a threat to a development site, invasive non-native plants are, and ignoring the problem won’t make it go away. Instead, the recommended step forward would be to book an invasive species management plan if you are aware of pest species on the site or book an invasive species audit if you need confirmation. Approaching invasive non-native plant species in this way will minimise the likelihood of costs and delays later in the process and bypass any issues with obtaining planning permission from the local council.

One of the many aspects that makes Arbtech special is that we offer a free quote to clients beforehand, giving them a chance to weigh up whether or not they want to move forward with us. You can do this too by emailing us, calling us or looking over our communication options on our contact page. An administrator will then be able to talk you through the process, and if you’re happy with everything, we can schedule a time to undertake the necessary assessments. From there, if you need any other surveys, our team can remain with you throughout the process.