Invasive species are an ecological concern, but addressing that concern requires a social-ecological solution. It is humans who perceive that the problem even exists, humans who are largely responsible for the spread of invasive species, and humans who have the capacity to address the problem. Often the greatest impediments to management are not ecological but rather economic, institutional, social, or political. To understand the human dimensions of invasive species as they apply to the control and management of non-native Bromus grasses in western U.S. rangelands, we collected and synthesized literature on beliefs, attitudes, behaviors, and economic considerations regarding these grasses and other associated exotic invasive plants.
Results/Conclusions
At the scale of the nation as a whole, the lay public does not rank invasive species as a significant threat to ecosystems. However, studies conducted in the western U.S. shows higher levels of public awareness and concern. Survey respondents have said they believe more should be done about these species and are willing to pay to do so - an important consideration as current levels of funding are not sufficient to support rehabilitation of Bromus-invaded rangelands. That concern and willingness is nuanced, however. Citizens support some control methods more than others, believe control is appropriate on some land types more than others, and are more willing to pay for Bromus prevention efforts than rehabilitation. Attitudes are relatively unstable, and highly influenced by trust in organizations responsible for treatment. Policy initiatives have some opportunity to change behaviors that influence the spread of exotic Bromus grasses, and there is ample room for better and more widespread education efforts.