Invasive Plant Control

Four basic strategies are available for solving wide-ranging exotic species problems: prevention, eradication, suppression, and biological control.  Prevention is the identification and interdiction of exotic species or their propagules before they enter the United States. Eradication is complete elimination of a population of an introduced exotic. Suppression is the periodic control or elimination of a population of exotics within a generally infested area.  Biological control involves the identification and introduction of an exotic species natural control agents, usually herbivores, predators, parasites, or pathogens from its native environment. (ESAFE 5955)

Control of exotic species on public land is complicated by the patchwork of jurisdictions; national parks, national forests, state, and private lands vary considerably in their approach to exotic species control. For example, of federal lands in the southern Appalachians, only national parks have programs to control exotic plants. Approximately 40 invasive plant species are currently controlled in national parks in the region. Land managers cite lack of money and personnel as the most serious immediate impediments to control. Although land managers are aware of the problem, addressing it will be difficult without additional resources (SAMAB 2001). ESAFE 5955

National forests in the southern Appalachians have generally not attempted to control exotic plants except for kudzu, which has serious localized impacts on forestry. In fact, nonnative plants such as crown vetch, lespedezas, white dutch clover, and tall fescue were commonly planted for erosion control after timber harvests and road construction, or as food for wildlife. Today, attempts are made to use native plants for these applications. Other exotics, such as privet, threaten to become problems in spots on national forests. Where national parks adjoin national forests and other federal and state ownerships, uncontrolled infestations of exotic plants often cross boundaries and create continuing management problems for the parks (SAMAB 2001). ESAFE 5955

Each land management area consists of various jurisdictions and governing laws which can make managing exotic invasive plants more difficult.