GSD Update: Strategies for understanding and controlling species invasions

Abstract

Invasive species are significant environmental and economic threats to our Nation's and the world's ecosystems and natural resources. They impact wildlife habitat, endanger native species, threaten ecosystem services, damage lakes and rivers, reduce recreational opportunities, affect production of wood products, jeopardize human health and safety and reduce property values. Adverse effects from invasive species can be exacerbated by interactions with fire, native pests, weather events, human actions, and environmental change. Invasive species cause billions of dollars in damage each year. Costs of damage from invasive species worldwide has been estimated to be more than $1.4 trillion per year - 5 percent of the global economy.

Citation

Finch, Deborah M., ed. 2013. GSD Update: Strategies for understanding and controlling species invasions. October 2013. Albuquerque, NM: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 9 p.