Monitoring
As new biocontrol agents become available, we establish SIMP (Standardized Impact Monitoring Protocol) transects to observe changes in vegetation cover and biocontrol agent populations. Currently, we are monitoring yellow toadflax and the associated stem weevil, Mecinus janthinus. As new agents are released or when agents are released in areas that they are not known to currently exist, we will establish monitoring transects.
If land managers are interested in monitoring their biocontrol efforts, we have monitoring kits available with all of the necessary tools to establish and read a SIMP transect. Contact the MT Biocontrol Coordinator to obtain a kit.
Follow the link below to watch our most recent training video on how to setup, conduct, and document our Standardized Monitoring Protocol.
