Environmental and Economic Impacts of Noxious Range Weeds

Abstract

Noxious range weeds conflict, restrict, or otherwise interfere with range management objectives. Published literature was reviewed to assess the effects of these weeds on the environment and the economy. The displacement of many native range plant communities by noxious range weeds has reduced rangeland biodiversity. Noxious weeds, such as spotted knapweed, are detrimental to elk and soil conservation. The appraised value of rangeland is often reduced by the presence of noxious weeds. Similarly, economic returns from rangeland are reduced by poisonous noxious weeds and by weeds with low forage value that displace desirable forage plants. Additional data are needed to fully assess the environmental and economic impact of noxious range weeds.