Marsh thistle in New York: early detection and rapid response to a recent invader

Case studies implementing early detection and rapid response (EDRR) protocols are crucial to our understanding of how to evaluate the threat of a new invasive organism. Most EDRR schematics depict a linear approach to EDRR beginning with detection, then assessment, and concluding with the rapid response. Our case study exemplified the need to adjust this protocol by interlacing all three phases. Our target species is a recent invader to central New York: Cirsium palustre (marsh thistle). We observed 192 populations and reported them on iMapInvasives.org. These locations were used to generate risk maps of neighboring counties. Six test plots evaluated the plant's bienniality and monocarpism. A life-stage analysis allowed us to delineate the invasion front to target control and management solutions where they are most effective for marsh thistle. An adaptive approach to EDRR can expedite response strategies, develop risk maps, and train partners for better control.