Conclusions

Examples like the ones highlighted here are occurring in forests all over the world, not just in the United States. Globally, species abundance and diversity are detrimentally affected by invasive species impacts. Forested landscapes will be altered in the future; ecological systems will be simplified and the services they provide humankind may be degraded.

Environmental groups such as American Lands and the IUCN are working to change policies within our country and internationally that contribute to the introduction of exotic pests and invaders to forest ecosystems. Action campaigns include strengthening international trade agreements to prevent invasions, promotion of stronger governmental forestry policies against invasives, and petitioning land management agencies to prevent practices such as road construction and grazing that help spread invasive species. (3)

The invasives issue is not a simple one to solve or to even comprehend fully. We need to think about how to better regulate the global movement of species to new areas in order to reduce invasive problems in the future. The diversity and health of native forests and other ecosystems worldwide are vulnerable to human activities leading to invasions and other global change effects.



	Conclusions

Home Overview of Invasives Case studies in US forest ecosystems Insects BWA Gypsy moth Plants Tree of heaven Kudzu Pathogens Chestnut blight Dutch elm disease Long-term effects on forests Conclusions References Useful links	Examples like the ones highlighted here are occurring in forests all over the world, not just in the United States. Globally, species abundance and diversity are detrimentally affected by invasive species impacts. Forested landscapes will be altered in the future; ecological systems will be simplified and the services they provide humankind may be degraded. Environmental groups such as American Lands and the IUCN are working to change policies within our country and internationally that contribute to the introduction of exotic pests and invaders to forest ecosystems. Action campaigns include strengthening international trade agreements to prevent invasions, promotion of stronger governmental forestry policies against invasives, and petitioning land management agencies to prevent practices such as road construction and grazing that help spread invasive species. (3) The invasives issue is not a simple one to solve or to even comprehend fully. We need to think about how to better regulate the global movement of species to new areas in order to reduce invasive problems in the future. The diversity and health of native forests and other ecosystems worldwide are vulnerable to human activities leading to invasions and other global change effects.