Prevent the introduction and establishment of invasive plant species and remove existing invasive species

Hundreds of nonnative invasive plant species are currently present in the Midwest and Northeast. Climate change is expected to increase habitat for many of these species, which may be poised to outcompete native species. Current methods for controlling nonnative invasive species emphasize early detection and rapid response to new infestations. Management of highly mobile nonnative invasive species may require increased coordination across property boundaries and over larger geographic areas, and is likely to require an increasing budget for eradication efforts. As a resistance or resilience strategy, this approach may work for a while. Over the long term, limitations in available resources may require managers to prioritize which species to eradicate and which species to allow to occupy a site.

Biological stressors such as insects, pathogens, invasive species, and herbivores can act individually and in concert to amplify the effects of climate change on ecosystems. Forest managers already work to maintain the ability of forests to resist stressors. As an adaptation strategy, these efforts receive added effort and focus, with an emphasis on anticipating and preventing increased stress before it occurs. Climate change has the potential to add to or intensify the impact of many biological stressors, such as forest pests and invasive plant species, which heightens the importance of responding to these issues. Dealing with these existing stressors is a relatively high-benefit, low-risk strategy for climate change adaptation, in part because of the existing body of knowledge about their impacts and solutions.