Invasive Species - Prediction & Prevention
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Prediction & Prevention |
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The issue
Preventing invasive species from entering our region is the first
and most effective element in the strategy to manage these organisms
and their impacts. To identify priority species and
ecosystems, we must do some predicting. We need to predict the
potential impacts of specific pests, singly and in combination, on
forest resources at various spatial scales. An important predictive tool
used to set priorities is risk assessment. For example, we need to
assess and compare the risks of certain species being introduced and
becoming established. Risk assessments are also needed to identify
areas and ecosystems of our region that may be especially vulnerable
to these pests.
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What are we doing about it?
We
are developing models to
assess the potential impact
of multiple exotic invaders on forest resources across a regional
scale for the Midwestern States.
We
are designing models and conducting
pest risk assessments for
high priority invasive forest pests, and we are developing maps of
priority ecosystems and habitats placed at risk by invasive species.
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