We fear that this will be perceived only as a western public lands issue. Because of this, we do not feel that the Executive Order should be a part of any legislation. We are also fearful that this debate may move to an effort to only allow native species on public land. In the southeast, bahaigrass in non-indigenous and can be classed as invasive. This species is an important forage crop, and is used extensively to stabilize road rights of way and literally covers millions of acres in the South.
Funding is always a concern.
An even greater challenge for funding is the expansion of this whole issue outside of just the agricultural budget. We would propose that other agencies such as the Department of Interior budget fro invasive pests and place this in a trust fund for use in research, detection and eradication. All citizens of the United States share a responsibility to protect our plant and animal resources from external pests. Funding for land grant research on invasives is crucial. Florida has a great exposure to this risk and research is a critical link in reducing that risk.