Wildfire Suppression—A Paradigm for Noxious Weed Management

Abstract

The spread of noxious weeds on rangeland and forests in the United States has been described as a raging biological wildfire. This analogy applies to aspects of spread, impact, and control of weeds. Patterns and means of spread are similar. Noxious weeds and wildfires can dramatically change natural plant communities, alter distribution and species composition of wildlife populations, damage watersheds and increase soil erosion, and adversely affect recreation and aesthetic values. Wildfire management involves prevention, early detection, timely control, and site rehabilitation; elements which are also the foundation of sound weed management. Principles and practices associated with wildfire suppression can be used to illustrate many weed science fundamentals, and to improve weed management programs. Federal land management agencies are directed to train employees in effective weed management and to increase public awareness about noxious weeds. Most agency employees are familiar with wildfire management; knowledge which could be useful in teaching weed management principles. Fire prevention could serve as a model to promote greater public awareness of the impact of noxious weeds and the need for weed prevention and early detection.