Parks staff follows Integrated Pest Management (IPM), a science-based decision-making process that guides park managers when investigating a pest situation.
The IPM approach determines the most appropriate and cost-effective management solution for the specific pest situation.
IPM also establishes pest tolerance levels and monitoring protocols.
Parks staff consult with technical experts such as New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service to identify the pest (weed), reasons it exists, how it can best be managed.
The method allows staff to develop an effective, site-specific and low-risk strategy to manage the pest. This includes altering conditions which attracted pests to the site in the first place.
IPM often involves improving cultural practices (aeration, fertilization, irrigation, mowing, etc.).