Unfortunately, the Organ Pipes National Park has long been beset by invasive species and weeds, as the clearing of the land for farming and grazing purposes allowed invasives to move in and thrive. Much of the work that FOOPs does involves fighting the spread of invasives.
When the park was first declared, most of the vegetation was weeds, including many noxious species. Noxious weeds such as prickly pear and wheel cactus (pictured) still grow in the park, and one of the management aims for the area is to eliminate these species. The park cannot achieve this in isolation; the cooperation of neighbouring landholders is needed to control noxious weeds both in the Park and on their own properties. It is a continuing battle to control weeds at the Park.
This photograph does not, unfortunately, depict wildflowers in full bloom; they are weeds, growing in areas that native plants would normally grow. The problems with weeds at the Organ Pipes National Park are exacerbated by the unusual shape of the park and the neglected farmland that surrounds the Park.
Vermin
Rabbits are a significant issue at the Organ Pipes National Park, as they cause serious erosion issues and prevent the natural regeneration of plants. Their feeding habits prevent plants from growing past a very young age. This leads to sheetwash erosion (pictured near this rabbit burrow), as there is insufficient plant matter to hold the soil together.
Watch these videos to learn more about invasive species:
160 year battle against one of Australia's worst invasives - ABC Australia