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Exotic Eucalyptus plantations in the southeastern US: risk assessment, management and policy approaches

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Abstract

As eucalyptus cultivation increases in the southeastern United States to provide feedstock for pulpwood, landscape mulch and an emerging bioenergy market, there is concern regarding potential invasiveness. Recently, models to predict the likelihood of invasiveness have produced conflicting results. Our uncertainty about invasion risk and the relative values we hold for environmental and industry protection will influence which management options and policies are pursued. Here we synthesize the essential practices and barriers to potential eucalyptus spread relative to different stages of the invasion process. Additionally, we offer a discussion of social and economic implications of the possible policies and regulatory techniques for mitigating future problems, with an emphasis on the often-recommended precautionary approach. We highlight future research needs and emphasize a landscape level, collaborative adaptive management approach.

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  1. School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, 155 Research Rd., Quincy, FL, 32351, USA

    Kimberly A. Lorentz & Patrick J. Minogue

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Lorentz, K.A., Minogue, P.J. Exotic Eucalyptus plantations in the southeastern US: risk assessment, management and policy approaches. Biol Invasions 17, 1581–1593 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-015-0844-0

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