2011_3: Dr. Erin J. Questad "Restoration: The only Hope for Native Plants in Invaded Drylands?"
Why are invasive plants so dangerous? Dr. Erin Questad, Research Ecologist with the USDA Forest Service Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry describes how invasive species negatively affect native species and create undesirable conditions. For example, invasive grasses in tropical dry forests elevate fire danger and spread, causing the destruction of native plant communities, grazing lands, and other private property. Questad’s research group is testing whether native plant restoration can reduce invasion and restore the critical ecosystem function of fire resistance in Hawaii dryland ecosystems.
This talk was presented at the fifth annual 2011 Nahelehele Dryland Forest Symposium: "Facing Change" on February 25th, 2011 in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. The symposium highlight dryland forest ecology and restoration efforts in Hawai‘i.