Inventory of bumble bees and T&E butterfly species to inform invasive vegetation management, controlled burning, and compliance determinations

Project ID: P24AC02395

Federal Agency: National Park Service

Partner Institution: The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation

Fiscal Year: 2024

Initial Funding: $300,000

Total Funding: $385,000

Principal Investigator: Hatfield, Rich

Agreement Technical Representative: Esser, Scott

Abstract: 

The primary objective of this inventory project is to collect species presence data on the bumble bees and T&E butterflies present at Badlands National Park (BADL), Fort Laramie National Historic Site (FOLA), Scotts Bluff National Monument (SCBL), Agate Fossil Beds National Monument (AGFO), and Missouri National Recreational River (MNRR) to inform invasive vegetation management, controlled burning, and compliance determinations for T&E species. The methods used could be implemented by other National Park Units in the Northern Great Plains Network (NGPN), should interest arise. Cooperators will use data collected in this project and a general literature review to provide park-specific recommendations for pollinator-friendly potential vegetation management practices (invasive plant management, prescribed burning, and compliance determinations).