Inventory and monitoring helps parks collect data on the location or condition of a specific resource and monitor how this resource is changing over time.  These efforts can assist park managers in assessing current invasive species conditions in a park and in developing management strategies to complement current conditions.  The National Park Service Inventory and Monitoring Vital Signs Program is currently collecting data on invasive plant and animal species in 238 park units.  At least 229 park units are collecting data for invasive plant species and 29 park units are collecting data on invasive animal species.  These inventories will assist parks and managers in developing monitoring programs and assess the need for invasive species management.  To learn more about the inventory and monitoring program and vital signs, click here