Adaptive Management of Nonnative Species: Moving Beyond the “Either-Or” Through Experimental Pluralism

Abstract

This paper develops the outlines of a pragmatic, adaptive management-based approach toward the control of invasive nonnative species (INS) through a case study of Kings Bay/Crystal River, a large artesian springs ecosystem that is one of Florida's most important habitats for endangered West Indian manatees (Trichechus manatus). Building upon recent critiques of invasion biology, principles of adaptive management, and our own interview and participant-observer research, we argue that this case study represents an example in which rigid application of invasion biology's a priori imperative to minimize INS has produced counterproductive results from both an ecological and social standpoint. As such, we recommend that INS control in Kings Bay should be relaxed in conjunction with an overall program of adaptive ecosystem management that includes meaningful participation and input from non-institutional stakeholders. However, we also note that adaptive management and INS control are by no means mutually exclusive, in Kings Bay or elsewhere. Instead, we suggest that adaptive management offers a means by which INS control efforts can emerge from-and be evaluated throughongoing scientific research and participatory dialogue about the condition of specific places, rather than non-contextual assumptions about the harmfulness of INS as a general class.

Benefit–risk assessment of biological control in wildlands

“…Authors agree that it is essential that all stakeholders are able to participate -the operative word, in fact, is "participatory" (Light, 2000;Gobster and Barro, 2000;Evans et al, 2008;Boudjelas, 2009). In some instances, such as eradication of the northern pike (Esox lucius L.) in Lake Davis in California, fostering participation by previously excluded stakeholders led to a satisfactory resolution of a controversial management program (Elmendorf et al, 2005).…”

“…An example might be the antipathy of some animal rights advocates towards any killing of a sentient being (Simberloff, 2012a). Evans et al (2008) advocate "participative adaptive management" in the management of introduced aquatic plants, with stake holders involved at every step of the planning and implementation of a program. Maris and Béchet (2010) argue that much more may be needed than simply stakeholder involvement, and that stakeholder involve ment can even freeze antagonistic positions and prevent resolution of a controversy.…”

Comparison of Burning and Mowing Treatments in a Remnant Willamette Valley Wet Prairie, Oregon, 2001–2007

“…However, land managers should always consider what is likely to replace the INS if it is eliminated. In some cases, the opened area may be colonized by another INS that is far more difficult to manage (Evans et al 2008). Seeding or planting of native prairie species is often a critical step to take following treatment of INS.…”

Confronting the wicked problem of managing biological invasions

“…The term was used by Evans et al (2008), citing difficulties encountered when managing aquatic pests in the Crystal River, Florida; by McNeely (2013) when describing the management of plant introductions in conservation areas; and by Seastedt (2014) when describing the socio-political and ethical issues surrounding biocontrol. The management of biological invasions is particularly susceptible to wickedness in the form of conflicting social pressures.…”