[APWG] LEGISLATION: Weeds are not the issue, ecosystem health is.

[Craig Dremann]

Dear Bob, Olivia and All,

The paradox of the legislation to spray weeds with the new "100th
Meridian Invasive Species" fund, is that weeds like cheatgrass are
moving into the empty spaces between the shrubs that were formerly
occupied by perennial native grasses 100-150 years ago.

So spray all you wish, and all will be accomplished in many of those
arid western states, is create more open space for more weeds to move
into.  

You can see the conversion of solid native grasslands into desert
shrubland, creating lots of empty spaces for weeds to move into,
pictures from two of the states covered by this new fund, at
http://www.ecoseeds.com/desertgrass.html

Basic ecosystem concepts and Ecological Restoration concepts absolutely
must be incorporated into any roadside, rangeland  or wildland weed
management program, or fund.  

When you have ecosystem understories nation-wide in tatters, the weeds
are not the problem--the health and integrity of the ecosystems are the
issue.

Sincerely,  Craig Dremann, Redwood City, CA (650) 325-7333