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The Official Website of the State of West Virginia

How you can protect West Virginia’s forests from the spread of invasive plants and insects

6/17/2021

West Virginia’s forests are under threat from invasive plants and insects. The invaders crowd out, feed on or destroy the native life. Many conservation organizations count invasive species among the top five global threats to biodiversity. 

Of course, not every plant or animal introduced to the continent presents a threat. For example, hostas, tulips and peonies are not native to the U.S. but do not compete with or destroy native plants.  

The U.S. Forest Service defines an invasive species as: 

Not indigenous to the ecosystem they occupy. 

By its presence, causes harm or is likely to cause harm to that location’s environment or economy. 

Learn more at WV Forestry: