Invasive Species A Threat to the Health of the Nation’s Forests and Grasslands

1. Invasive SpeciesA Threat to the Healthof the Nation’s Forestsand Grasslands Insert Name and Titleof Presenter Here Insert Name of Event Here Caring for the land and serving people

2. Invasive Species • Non-native species displace natives and cause ecological, biological, and economic losses. In 2002, invasives cost U.S. taxpayers $137 billion in damages. • Most invasive species found in the U.S. were originally imported for food, fiber, or as ornamental plants.

3. Healthy Forests Makefor a Healthy Nation The Forest Service is looking forward to its Next Century of Service, carrying on its mission of “sustaining the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.”

4. Invasive Species • The leadership of the Forest Service determined that nothing short of a collaborative effort across deputy areas and in partnership with external organizations is required for an effective and proactive strategy against invasive species. • This approach is spelled out in the National Strategy and Implementation Plan for Invasive Species Management.

5. Invasive SpeciesGuiding Principles ofthe National Strategy • Science-based prioritization of invasive species problems. • Enhanced collaboration on the solutions to those problems. • An improved system of accountability that ensures the most efficient use of limited resources at all levels of the Forest Service.

6. Invasive SpeciesCommon Themes of the National Strategy • Partnerships and Collaboration • Scientific Basis • Communication and Education • Organizing for Success

7. Prevention – Keep out invasive species. Early Detection and Rapid Response – Detect and eradicate invasive species to stop them from spreading. Control and Management – Apply integrated control techniques to manage the problem. Rehabilitation and Restoration– Heal, minimize, or reverse the harmful effects from invasive species Invasive SpeciesElements of the National Strategy

8. Invasive Species • Forest Service programs to fight invasives will focus on: • Internally - stopping invasive species from becoming widespread in the National Forest system • Externally – supporting stewardship work on State, Tribal, and private partner lands

9. Distribution Maps of Invasive Species Invasive Species

10. Major Invasive Insects Asian longhorned beetle Hemlock woolly adelgid Emerald ash borer Gypsy moth Invasive Species

11. Sudden Oak Death (SOD) canker White pine blister rust Port–Orford cedarroot disease Invasive Species Diseases and pathogens

12. Leafy spurge Kudzu Saltcedar Mile-a-Minute Invasive Species Plants (including aquatics and wetland)

13. Plants (including aquatics and wetland) Purple loosestrife Yellow starthistle Spotted knapweed Invasive Species

14. Conclusion • The National Strategy and Implementation Plan for Invasive Species Management is a significant milestone in the effort of the Forest Service to stem the tide of nonnative invasive species. • A key to this effort is the two Environmental Threat Assessment Centers established in Prineville, Oregon and Asheville, North Carolina.