WAR ON WEEDS

Invasive plant species, otherwise known as non-native weeds, can be accidentally or intentionally introduced into a landscape. Invasives can have a devastating impact on native ecosystems, out-competing native plants and crops for space, light, water, and nutrients. In May 2002, to help combat the continent-wide problem of invasive plant species, the Federal Highway Administration sponsored an interagency international conference on invasive plant species. This article discusses the proceedings of the "Weeds Across Borders" conference held in Tucson, Arizona.