Conclusion

Invasive weeds displace native species and permanently damage biological communities and ecosystems, creating significant economic impacts related to reduced forage yield and quality, increased management, and potential loss of recreational and tourism revenues. Invasive weeds continue to spread into natural communities in spite of management efforts. Fortunately, most of our ecosystems remain weed-free, making prevention a viable option. Recognizing this opportunity, local-level weed prevention groups focus management efforts in weed-free areas, through proactive management implemented by unified rancher groups whose common goal is to safeguard native plant communities and rural livelihoods from the costly and permanent effects of invasive weeds. Coordinated and cooperative protection from weed spread may help preserve native species and natural habitats, allowing their ecological, economic, and societal benefits to accrue indefinitely. Maintaining weed-free rangelands may help sustain rural communities that depend on agriculture and wildlife-based expenditures.

Email Kim Goodwin or Jim Jacobs for additional information or assistance with developing a weed prevention area.

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Last Modified: 08/02/2007