Exotic and Invasive Species
Invasive and exotic plants are degrading National Forest systems lands at a rapid and ever-increasing rate. Without noxious weed management efforts, these aggressive plants will continue invading rangelands and timberlands that are so highly valued. If we act quickly, locally and regionally, cooperative noxious weed management will be economical and effective. The goal of the Intermountain Region's management of noxious weeds is to ensure we focus on working collaboratively with ourselves, our neighbors, and with each State within and bordering the Region. Our primary objective is to keep the 99 percent of the Intermountain Region's healthy non-infested acres noxious weed free. Renewed interest in weed management by all ownerships is indicated by aggressive approaches in weed management by the Western Governors and their State agencies, increased noxious weed budgets from Congress, national weed management strategies from the Department of Agriculture and Interior and the Forest Service. The intent of our management is to give the Region the flexibility to fulfill its obligations in noxious weed management and work as a partner with all other ownerships.
- Cooperative Weed Management
- Noxious Weed Links
- Invasive and Exotic Species (USDA Research and Development)
Noxious Weed and Invasive Plant Strategies, Regulations, and Policies
National Strategy and Implementation Plan for Invasive Species Management - Invasive species have been identified as a significant threat to our forest and rangeland ecosystems. A national strategy has been developed to guide the Forest Service as it takes on this threat.
- Federal Noxious Weed Act - P.L. 93-629, Sec 2, Jan 3, 1975, 88 Stat.2148, and as amended P.L. 101-624, Title XIV, Sec 1453, Nov, 8, 1990, 104 Stat. 3611.
- Forest Service National Noxious Weed Policy (FS Manual 2900 replaces FSM 2080)
- Invasive Species Executive Order, Feb. 3, 1999 - An Executive Order to prevent the introduction of invasive species and provide for their control and to minimize the economic, ecological, and human health impacts that invasive species cause.