Forest Service document assesses invasive species

The U.S. Forest Service has released a comprehensive assessment of invasive species, including plants, pathogens, insects and animals. Some are new arrivals. Some invaded so long ago that people are surprised to learn they are invasive.

The assessment, “Invasive Species in Forests and Rangelands of the United States: A Comprehensive Science Synthesis for the United States Forest Sector,” is meant to be a one-stop resource for land managers looking for information on invasive species and efforts to control them.

The assessment presents research on a wide range of natural science and social science fields that explore the ecology, impacts and practical tools for managing invasive species. Regional summaries highlight invasive species in various parts of the United States.

The assessment is available to view or download at https://www.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/pubs/61982.

Header Image: Fighters work to contain a wildfire fueled in part by cheatgrass, an invasive annual grass that has transformed landscapes across the West. Credit: Dan Hottle, USFWS