Impact of Invasive Plants

Non-native, invasive terrestrial plants are one of the greatest threats to the health of  Northeastern forests. They negatively impact the environment, are costly to manage, and can be harmful to human health.

Increasingly, public and private landowners struggle to reduce the impact that invasive plants, shrubs, vines and trees have on forest regeneration, forest structure, ecosystem function, recreation and wildlife habitat. 

However, many Vermont forests are still relatively invasive free, so we may stand a chance in maintaining the structure and function of the state's woodlands if - and only if - we take the issue seriously. Landowners and land managers must do everything in their power to prevent the spread of invasive species, including recognizing and removing new infestations early.

Learn more about why invasives are a problem and how you can help by visiting the gallery of invaders and checking out the prevention and management and safe gardening pages.

The threat of invasive species is not going away. It's a long-term stewardship issue that must become a daily part of how we look at and care for the woods that provide us with beauty, recreation, forest products and our heritage.