Organisms in their native environments have competitors and predators that have evolved with them over time, regulating their populations and maintaining a balance in the associated ecosystems. When an organism becomes established in an environment outside of its native range however, the restraints of predation and competition are often removed and populations of the invading species grow rapidly, impacting the native plants and animals. These non-native invasive species (NNIS) have significant economic and ecological impact – causing over $1 trillion in damages globally and acting as the leading cause of extinction among threatened and endangered species. Historically, the northeastern U.S. has been heavily impacted by NNIS from Asia and Europe due to a comparable climate, similar plant species, and active trade between the northeastern U.S. and Asia. Chestnut blight, Dutch elm disease, Asian long horned beetle, and emerald ash borer are all examples of NNIS that attack trees. Invasive plants are also a major source of concern, including garlic mustard, buckthorn, honeysuckle, and barberry.
To address this issue Redstart is taking two approaches. The first – the Forest and Agricultural Protection System, or ForAgProtect – operates at strategic level. Because NNIS do not recognize jurisdictional boundaries, management requires an integrated network of partners and places a premium on close collaboration between both public and private entities entrusted with plant protection efforts. ForAgProtect, a geographic information system (GIS) for forestry and agricultural protection, will provide 1) a visual and analytical medium for this collaboration, 2) decision support at a strategic level for forest protection managers faced with challenges in prioritizing the use of limited resources, and 3) tactical support for field personnel responsible for implementing plant protection and management efforts. Previous work that focused on hemlock woolly adelgid has demonstrated the need for one GIS built to meet both current and future NNIS challenges. This comprehensive statewide system will define and map pathways of introduction (organism arrival) and provide assessment of important ecological and environmental factors that influence NNIS establishment, spread, and potential impact. The system will be designed to act as a national model by prioritizing forest protection efforts in Vermont. ForAgProtect will be primarily used by project partners entrusted by the public with plant protection efforts. This project is partnership with the Vermont Department of Forests, Park, and Recreation, USDA Forest Service, USDA-APHIS Vermont, Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, with additional funding from the Northern States Research Cooperative.
The second approach Redstart uses to address the threat posed by invasive species is to offer NNIS survey and control services that assist landowners and managers at a more tactical level. Redstart is certified by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture to provide herbicide treatments for invasive plants. This service is being provided to private landowners, municipalities, non profit organizations, and public agencies. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) of Vermont has been a key partner in our efforts to learn about the control of invasive plants; a national database that TNC has developed is of great assistance to those interested in controlling the spread of invasive plants.