Management of Plant Invasions: The Conflict of Perspective1

During the past decade, as the issue of plant invasion gained recognition in the public domain, both ecologists and weed scientists voluntarily or by mandate moved to provide their expertise to the management of invasive plants on public lands. Diverse views of nature carried to the table by ecologists and weed scientists have resulted in different priorities and opinions on management strategies. However, both groups share the goal of protecting natural resources for the public good. Efforts to achieve consensus among ecologists and weed scientists should acknowledge and resolve how and why the two groups come to different views of nature. Then, areas of mutual strength need to be identified so that improved management or restoration plans can be developed. Additional index words: Ecosystem management, restoration.