Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Economic Recovery Projects For Invasive Species

WASHINGTON, May 14, 2009— Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today projects funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for invasive species projects. In total, there are 19 projects, funded at over $38 million, in 14 states.

'These projects will provide for public health and safety by restoring forestlands and rangelands damaged by invasive species," said Vilsack. "Invasives weaken affected ecosystems and reduce resource benefits from forests and rangelands."

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Invasive species affect the health of ecosystems by stressing the naturally-occurring species and competing with them for resources. Stressed ecosystems are at risk of loss. These funds will be used to suppress and control species such as: kudzu, cogon grass, and hemlock woolly adelgid.

A listing of the invasive species projects is below. Information on other Forest Service ARRA projects and related economic recovery can be found at: http://www.fs.fed.us/

Source: USDA