October 3, 2002

Control of invasive weed species deserves special attention and needs to be a priority issue according to testimony by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA). Myra Bradford Hyde, NCBA's director of environmental issues, told the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition and Forestry the environmental and economic of threats posed by certain weed species.

"Invasive weeds often have little or no forage value for native animals and livestock, and they threaten the health of all rangelands by out-competing and replacing the native vegetation," says Hyde. But containment and eradication of invasive weeds will go beyond helping the cattle industry.

"Rangelands provide clean water, clean air and wildlife habitat, as well as societal benefits such as open space and recreational opportunities," says Hyde. "Grasslands and shrublands are unique ecosystems that are severely threatened by harmful, non-native terrestrial weeds species."

Wildfire is also a concern as invasive weed species spread. "Cheatgrass is a widespread invasive plant, and is much more likely than native plants to catch and spread fire," Hyde explains. "The national management plan developed by the National Invasive Species Council (NISC) states that cheatgrass has accelerated the fire cycle in the west by twenty-fold."

The focus of Hyde's testimony urged the federal government to recognize invasive species as a priority issue, and to develop a national effort to address the problem. "Most cattle producers spend a lifetime fighting invasive weeds on their farms and ranches," says Hyde. "They believe that every effort needs to be made to provide a strong foundation for efficient distribution of federal funds, strive to avoid duplication, coordinate activities between federal and state agencies and private landowners, and provide the flexibility for decisions to be made locally where the problems arise."