Invasive plants in wildland ecosystems: merging the study of invasion processes with management needs

Abstract

Increasing numbers of non-native species threaten the values of wildland ecosystems. As a result, interest in and research on invasive plant species in wildland settings has accelerated. Nonetheless, the ecological and economic impacts of non-native species continue to grow, raising the question of how to best apply science to the regulation and management of invasive plants. A major constraint to controlling the flow of potentially undesirable plant species is the lack of a strong regulatory framework concurrent with increases in trade volume. To address this, ecologists have been developing models to predict which species will be harmful to wildland values and are working with the horticultural industry to apply this information to the sale of species. The management of established invasive plants is hampered by conflicting goals, a lack of information on management outcomes, and a lack of funding. Ecologists and weed scientists can provide a scientific basis for prioritizing species for control and for managing species composition through the application of control technology, which can take place simultaneously with the manipulation of the ecological processes that influence community susceptibility to invasion. A stronger scientific basis for land management decisions is needed and can be met through nationally funded partnerships between university and agency scientists and land managers.