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Early Detection Rapid Response - EDRR

While performing monitoring and preventing the introduction of invasive species is the first line of defense against new invasions, all to often new exotic species still invade native woodlands.  Unfortunately, even the best prevention efforts will not stop all invasive species introductions. Next to prevention, the most time and cost-effective way to curtail and manage the potential negative impacts of new invasive plants is through Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) efforts. EDRR efforts include:

  • Detecting invasive species infestations when they first arrive in a given area
  • Developing a management or eradication plan (which includes monitoring and education) while their populations are still localized and small
  • Then implementing rapidly beginning the control of these species through coordinated removals.

Implementing EDRR measures can increase the likelihood that new invasions will be managed successfully prevented new invasive species from becoming established and negatively impacting native species. The time and cost investment associated with catching weeds at the initial stages of infestation are significantly less than trying to eradicate a widespread invasion.

The DC CWMA EDRR Committee engages in dialogue about emerging invasives as well as outreach including the DC CWMA Weed Alert, to provide current info to the invasive plant management community.

Featured DC CWMA Weed Alert!

EDRR Tools

  • Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System (EDDMapS) is a web-based mapping system for documenting invasive species distribution. It is fast, easy to use, and doesn't require GIS experience. The goal is to maximize the effectiveness and accessibility of the immense numbers of observations each year.
     
  • Mid-Atlantic Early Detection Network: MAEDN is a vast network of land managers, field experts, citizen scientists, naturalists, gardeners and others interested in documenting invasive plant occurrences in the mid-Atlantic region for the purposes of early detection, improved management and better coordination. The region includes Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia.