Awareness and management of invasive plants among West Virginia woodland owners

Abstract

Although the need to engage woodland owners in managing invasive plants has been recognized, little is known about what motivates them to undertake such activities. Based on key informant interviews and a landowner questionnaire, this study assesses awareness and management of invasive plants among woodland owners in West Virginia and outreach implications. Although findings suggested that the issue of invasive plants was moderately salient, landowners identified a limited range of species. A large proportion of landowners who were aware of undesirable plants on their property had tried to control them, suggesting the absence of widespread barriers to initiating management. Instead, needs lie with improving effectiveness and follow-through and building awareness of a wider range of invasive plants and their impacts.