A 1991 Princeton University study found that invasive species are the second greatest threat to global biodiversity.

Their eradication in many ecosystems is considered a high priority, and often includes the use of herbicides.

Using herbicides to restore ecosystems is a short-sighted and dangerous approach. Cal-IPC reports that Garlon (Triclopyr) poses “reproductive and developmental risks” to female applicators. Surfactants and adjuvants are not subject to regulatory scrutiny or toxicity testing. In 2015, the World Health Organization and the State of California declared glyphosate a probable human carcinogen.

Invasion Ecology: Objective or Subjective Science? The National Invasive Species Council defines invasive species as species that are “likely to cause economic or environmental harm, or harm to human health.”

Corn – 98 million acres planted in 2015 Defining Harm… Corn – 98 million acres planted in 2015 Soy – 87 million acres planted in 2015 Wheat – 78 million acres planted in 2015

A matter of perspective….

“I use only native species….native to planet earth.” – Bill Mollison

Ecosystem Change = Species Assemblage Change Dams on southwestern rivers change seasonal flood patterns… …Creating conditions that favor salt cedar (Tamarisk spp.) and make it less habitable for native cottonwoods and willows.

Attempts to eradicate salt cedar do not change the underlying ecosystem dynamics…and may cause further ecological degradation.

All ecosystems were once colonized by invading organisms.

Invasion drives evolution Checks and Balances… Invasion drives evolution

Climate Change The relatively stable climate scenario of the last 10,000 or so years is ending. Plants and animals are on the move worldwide. Recent research models predict that novel – meaning unknown - plant communities may occupy 47% of land area in the Western US by the end of the century. (Crookston and Rehfeldt, USFS)

And some species are already on the move… The California Yellow Lupine is considered native in Sonoma County… …and invasive in Humboldt County. Or is it moving north as the climate changes?

What about the native species ‘displaced’ by invasive species?

Native Species and the Wilderness Myth The landscapes that are today known as ‘wilderness’ areas were once inhabited, and the plants and animals they contain were parts of sophisticated agricultural systems. Their beauty, abundance, and diversity of these ecosystems are the result of intentional cultivation and management.

The survival of native species depends on us needing them and using them. If we want to restore land, we have to restore intentional stewardship to the land.

Invasive species management can and should occur in the context of deeply regenerative ecosystem restoration.

Holistic Management of Invasive Species And will also: A holistic restoration plan will consider: Use small and slow solutions based on living systems. Address underlying processes contributing to “invasibility.” Feature clear goals and management plans for future ecosystems Land use history and present status Soil and water qualities Functional characteristics of invasive species Restoration should be a process of moving ecosystems forward, rather than idealizing their return to a previous state.

The practice of restoration should yield healthy food, regenerative economic opportunities, and increasingly diverse and abundant ecosystems.

Check out Beyond the War on Invasive Species on Facebook for updates and information about holistic restoration and thinking differently about invasive species. For more information on our work, visit Resilience Permaculture Design, LLC at www.resiliencepermaculture.com