The encouraging words of Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt, Director of the BLM Pat Shea, and Director of Rangeland Management, Forest Service Bertha Gillam were welcomed by the group. We need their continued support if we are to achieve success in our efforts to stem the tide of invasive species. The war on weeds will be costly and will require a strong commitment to staffing. Some people suggested that resource managers should have an element in their annual performance plan that requires them to dedicate resources to prevention and control of exotic species, and restoration of degraded lands. Similarly, employees who achieve outstanding results in these areas should be rewarded appropriately and conspicuously.
More research is needed on the effectiveness of control efforts and restoration.
Although basic research is still desirable and needed, the field is clamoring for more applied research. There has never been a greater need for public outreach. The public may not recognize invasive exotic species or the threats they pose to our nations rich natural heritage. We need committed and resourceful people dedicated to protecting and restoring ourpublic and private lands from the threat posed by invasive exotic species. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity .