Title: Spatial prioritization for invasive plant management
Abstract: Invasive exotic plant species have been recognized as serious threats to ecosystems. Extensive research on invasive exotic plant species has primarily focused on the impacts, characteristics, and potential treatments. Decision tools and management models that incorporate these findings often lack input from managers and have limited use in differing invasion scenarios. Therefore, in this study, I created a scientificallydriven framework that incorporates expert input to prioritize watersheds for management within the Inner Bluegrass region of Kentucky. The widely distributed invasive exotic plant Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) was used as an example species. The framework is built around the Analytic Hierarchy Process and highlights areas in most need of invasive exotic plant management by incorporating weighted landscape variables associated with the invasion process. Results of the prioritization provide useful information for natural resource managers by aiding in the development of control strategies while also creating a valuable framework that can be adapted to various invasive exotic plant species. [Levin-Nielsen, Abraham Michael (2012). Spatial prioritization for invasive plant management (2012). Theses and Dissertations-Forestry. University of Kentucky, Paper 6.]