Cattlemen Urging Support of Invasive Weed Control Legislation

The development of a coordinated federal effort to help in the fight against invasive weeds continues to be a priority for cattlemen across the country, according to testimony from Myra Bradford Hyde, director of environmental issues for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA).

Hyde voiced the complexities of this concern this week before the Joint Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and Oceans and Joint Subcommittee on National Parks, Recreation and Public Lands of the House Resources Committee:

“Members of NCBA have long been aware of the economic and environmental harm caused by invasive species,” Hyde said in her testimony.  “We have urged the federal government to recognize invasive species as a priority issue and to develop a national effort to address the problem.  Most cattle producers spend a lifetime fighting invasive weeds on their farms and ranches.

“We support Executive Order 13112 on Invasive Species.  We support the National Invasive Species Council (NISC) that was established by the Executive Order and provided input into the preparation of  ‘Meeting the Invasive Species Challenge,’” the national management plan developed by NISC, through participation in the Invasive Species Advisory Council, Hyde said.   “We have also worked with Congress through the appropriations and other legislative processes to direct resources to, and focus attention on, invasive species issues. 

“Most non-native species lack predators, once they are introduced they are almost impossible to contain.  Prevention, without question, is less costly than eradication or long-term control. An awareness of the problem and a comprehensive approach to protecting ecosystems is necessary to prevent the introduction and/or spread of invasive weeds.           

“Interdiction and barriers at entry sites are critical, as are the implementation of site-specific management and control measures to prevent establishment and spread from sites of initial introduction.   There must also be greater coordination between private landowners and federal, state and local governments. We need accurate and timely early detection and rapid response.

“There currently is no comprehensive national system in place for detecting and responding to invasions of non-native species.  Research and funding for experienced technical advisors are severely limited.  In fact, funding for many rangeland research programs has dramatically declined during the past decade, despite the increased demands for solutions to the problems created by invasives.    

“The management plan developed by NISC is a good start, but implementation has been slow due to funding limitations and other deficiencies that federal officials have recognized and are working to improve.  New money should be directed to a program that gives states maximum flexibility to direct funds where they can be utilized by local decision makers most effectively.