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Author(s):
Steve Sutherland
Year Published:

Cataloging Information

Topic(s):
Fire Effects
Ecological - Second Order
Vegetation
Fuel Treatments & Effects
Management Approaches
Fuels

NRFSN number: 14945
FRAMES RCS number: 646
Record updated:

Weed infestations cause an economic loss of $13 billion per year even though $9.5 billion per year is spent on weed control measures. In addition to these economic costs, weeds are replacing native species, altering native plant and animal communities, affecting ecosystem health and function, threatening biodiversity and Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive (TES) species, altering fire behavior and fire regimes, and reducing wildland productivity. This paper discusses (1) where weeds are found, (2) what promotes weed invasions, and (3) how to incorporate weed management into fuel treatment activities.

Citation

Sutherland, Steve. 2004. Fuels planning: science synthesis and integration; environmental consequences fact sheet 7: fire and weeds. Research Note RMRS-RN-23-7-WWW. Fort Collins, CO: USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 2 p.

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