The Rivers and Gorges Cooperative Weed and Pest Management Area (CWPMA) is a partnership between federal, state, and local agencies, community associations, non-profit organizations, and private land owners aimed at coordinating efforts and programs for addressing the threat of invasive species.
WHY ARE INVASIVE SPECIES A PROBLEM?
An invasive species is a plant or animal that is not native to the area, but has been introduced. It negatively impacts the natural environment.
Since these plants and animals are free of natural predators, parasites, or competitors in their new environment, they often spread quickly. These large populations can out-compete and displace native species and can reduce wildlife food and habitat. Some species can also disrupt vital ecosystem functions like nutrient cycling or soil decomposition.
Often, invasive plants cause economic damage. In agriculture, they can harm or kill trees and other crops, clog equipment, and contaminate produce. In addition, some invasive species degrade property values.
Some invasive plants can even cause direct harm to humans or domestic animals.
WHAT ARE OUR GOALS?
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Decrease the impacts of invasive species on native plant and animal communities, public and private forests, aquatic resources, agricultural lands and local economics using Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
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Develop and support partnerships among a diverse group of private land owners, concerned citizens, agencies, non-profit organizations, industries, educational facilities, and local governments.
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Increase public awareness of the invasive species problem through public workshops, field tours, community meetings, demonstration areas, and by sharing resources.
OUR PARTNERS
