Imported forest pests (both insects and diseases) are one of the most serious and under-appreciated threats to forests of North America. We led a team of scientists and policy advisors that produced a comprehensive study of the ecological and economic impacts of these pests in the US, and policy options for reducing the importation and establishment of new pests.
Results/Conclusions
As a follow-up to that study, we identified a set of key policy actions to advance “Tree-SMART Trade.” These actions focus on preventing forest pests from becoming established in the country, because that is more cost-effective than trying to manage already-established pest populations. The actions also focus on tightening standards for the two main pathways for introduction of pests into North America: solid wood packaging (e.g., pallets, crates) and live plants imported for landscaping. Since the publication of the Tree-SMART Trade recommendations, important progress has been made such as eliminating the practice of allowing five violations of wood packaging standards before levying a penalty, and a provision in the 2018 Farm Bill that requires USDA to do a comprehensive report on this issue. This presentation will review recent policy advances and identify obstacles that slow progress.