Managing Invasive Species a Priority for Cattlemen, Scientists

The U.S. needs to develop a national effort to direct resources to, and focus attention on invasive species issues, say participants in a meeting of the Weed Science Society of America. 

Held in conjunction with National Invasive Weeds Awareness Week 2003, the meeting hosted by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) brought scientists, industry groups and environmentalists together to discuss strategies aimed at addressing invasive species issues.

“While the cattle industry supports efforts to manage all invasive species, of primary concern are threats posed by invasive weeds,” says Myra Hyde, NCBA’s director of environmental issues.  “Grasslands and shrublands, often called rangelands, occupy about 35 percent of the land area of the lower 48 states - 861 million acres.  These are the lands that cattle producers rely on to feed their cattle, and the health of these lands is critical to ensuring economic viability.”

Currently, legislative remedies exist in both Houses of Congress including "The Noxious Weed Control Act of 2003" (S. 144) introduced by Senator Larry Craig (R-ID), and "The Harmful Invasive Weed Control Act" (H.R. 119) introduced by Rep. Joel Hefley (R-CO).

NCBA has testified before Congress three times in the past year on weeds issues.  In testimony last October, Hyde told the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition and Forestry that invasive weeds also pose a threat because they encourage wildfire.   “Wildfire is a concern as invasive weed species spread.  Cheatgrass is a widespread invasive plant, and is much more likely than native plants to catch and spread fire,” Hyde explained.  “The national management plan developed by the National Invasive Species Council (NISC) states that cheatgrass has accelerated the fire cycle in the west by twenty-fold.”

Actively working with the Administration, NCBA supports Executive Order 13112 on Invasive Species, and supports the NISC, which was established by the Executive Order.  NCBA provided input into the preparation of “Meeting the Invasives Species Challenge,” the national management plan developed by NISC through participation in the Invasive Species Advisory Council.

 “Most cattle producers spend a lifetime fighting invasive weeds on their farms and ranches.  Invasive weeds often have no forage value for native animals and livestock, and they threaten the health of rangelands by out-competing and replacing the native vegetation.

“But containment and eradication of invasive weeds will go beyond helping the cattle industry,” says Hyde.  “Rangelands contain unique ecosystems and wildlife habitats that are threatened by harmful, non-native terrestrial weeds species.” 

Founded in 1956, the Weed Science Society of America promotes research, education, and extension outreach activities related to weeds, provides science-based information to the public and policy makers, and fosters awareness of weeds and their impacts on managed and natural ecosystems. The society membership currently consists of approximately 2,000 scientists worldwide.