They often have no natural control factors and thus can cause extensive damage. More recently, exotic plants such as mellaleuca and miconia have invaded large acreages in Florida and Hawaii, respectively. These exotic plants have displaced the native vegetation, thereby affecting wildlife habitat. Tied to the two previous issues is concern over the decrease in biodiversity. The number of plant and animal species added to the Federal threatened and endangered species list continues to grow.
Aquatic species are excellent indicators of ecosystem health.
Increasing numbers of these are at risk. For example, in the Interior Columbia River Basin key salmon and trout species inhabit decreasing portions of their former range. To Top Increased human development in and around forest lands, especially forests that have excessive fuel buildups or are prone to fire and historically burned at frequent intervals, has created unsafe conditions in many communities. When fires start in these areas, there is a good chance that they will be destructive and endanger human life and property. In addition, the floods, landslides, and soil erosion that often follow severe wildland fire can kill or injure people, destroy property, kill wildlife and fish, and devastate the productivity of the soil and water resources for many years.