Evaluating the environmental benefits from managing WoNS in natural ecosystems

Aims

One of the aims of the Australian government WoNS program is to achieve sustainable long-term management of priority weeds that threaten Australia's agricultural and natural ecosystems. A reduction in the target weed is a major achievement for any weed control program; however long-term success can only be achieved if associated plant communities (crop, pasture, plantation forest and native plants) recover.

Background

Controlling an individual weed species is a major achievement, especially where that weed is a Weeds of National Significance, identified for its major impacts on productivity and the environment.  However weeds are just one part of the landscape, and if native plant communities and ecosystem functions such as water flows and nutrient cycling do not recover once the weed is removed, then it is difficult to claim real success in managing the weed. 

This desktop study is examining the extent to which native plant communities and ecosystem functions have recovered after major weeds have been controlled and to provide advice on improving long-term success of future weed management.
 

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