Invasives in Southern Forests 2.6.3

This application is based on the publication "A Field Guide for the Identification of Invasive Plants in Southern Forests," provided by the U.S. Forest Service. The encroachment of nonnative plant species into forests across the Southern United States continues with limited oversight. These invasions detrimentally impact forest productivity, impede forest-related activities, and diminish biodiversity and wildlife habitats. Referred to as nonnative, exotic, nonindigenous, alien, or noxious weeds, these species manifest in various forms such as trees, shrubs, vines, grasses, ferns, and forbs.

The app presents thorough insights into the identification of 56 nonnative plant species and groups that are presently infiltrating forests within the 13 Southern States. It also offers guidelines for the prevention and management of these species extracted from the manual "A Management Guide for Invasive Plants of Southern Forests," released by the Southern Research Station under a General Technical Report.

Essential strategies for managing invasive species at specific locations encompass maintaining forest health through minimal disruption, continuous monitoring, and treatment of new unwelcome arrivals, and post-eradication restoration efforts.