Invasive and Exotic Species

Non-native species (including plants, animals, and pathogens) have been moved and spread by humans beyond their originating region through trade and travel. When non-native species are able to adapt to new environments and spread rapidly, they become invasive. Invasive species have caused enormous ecological and economic damage to U.S. forests and grasslands. Invasive species success is often due to a lack host resistance, natural predators, and/or competition, allowing them to establish in new environments unimpeded. This has cascading impacts on other species.

Understanding and managing invasive species is critical for protecting and restoring forest and grassland ecosystems. Rocky Mountain Research Station science on exotic and invasive species directly advances efforts to rapidly discover and respond to emerging threats. 

Rocky Mountain Research Station research on exotic and invasive species include themes such as:

• Impacts of invasive species on ecosystem services
• Interactions between invasive species, drought, fire, and other disturbances
• Preventing spread and new establishment of invasive species
• Best methods for controlling or eradicating invasive species, when feasible
• Methods to restore native species in the face of competition from invasive species