Why is it important to remove invasive exotic plants from public lands?
Scientific studies strongly indicate that invasive exotic plants harm Florida s natural environment and lead to a loss of biodiversity. Many of Florida s unique native plant and animal communities are found nowhere else in North America. Invasive exotic plants disrupt Florida s natural environment by forming novel habitats, and by altering ecological processes that permit native plants and animals to survive. For example, the Australian melaleuca tree can form dense forests in formerly treeless saw grass marshes of the Florida Everglades. Melaleuca trees alter ecological processes by increasing soil elevations and change natural fire regimes that destroy the uniqueness of the Everglades. Endangered plants, animals, and native ecosystems are being pushed closer to extinction by invasive exotic plants. It is estimated that more than 1.5 million acres of Florida s remaining natural areas have become infested with exotic plant species. Hydrilla, Florida s most widespread invasive exotic aq
