Invasive Species Need to be a Priority

Control of invasive weed species deserves special attention and needs to be a priority issue, according to Oct. 3 testimony given on behalf of NCBA.  Myra Bradford Hyde, NCBA’s director of environmental issues, explained to a House Agriculture subcommittee the environmental and economic threats posed by weed species.

 “Invasive weeds often have little or no forage value for native animals and livestock, and they threaten the health of all rangelands by out-competing and replacing the native vegetation,” says Hyde. 

            Wildfire is also 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 explains.  “The national management plan developed by the National Invasive Species Council states that cheatgrass has accelerated the fire cycle in the West by twenty-fold.” 

Hyde urged the government to develop a national effort to address the problem.  “Most cattle producers spend a lifetime fighting invasive weeds on their farms and ranches,” says Hyde. “They believe that every effort needs to be made to provide a strong foundation for efficient distribution of federal funds, avoid duplication and coordinate activities between federal and state agencies and private landowners.”