"The bylaws clarify that = invasive species within the scope of the council do not include humans, = domestic livestock or non-harmful exotic organisms."
Of course they would have to grant an exception for domestic livestock, in order to dodge having to mitigate the ecological harm done by said livestock. I think there are plenty of ecologists working in the Great Plains, Rocky Mountains, and Great Basin who could provide documentation that domestic cattle have done damage on a par with any "invasive" species. As long as livestock are exempted, I consider this definition more political than scientific. Jason Hernandez Ecolog: Some may find it informative or ill-informative to follow the bouncing = links on this site (they come up as pdf files).=20 I am particularly interested in all ecologists' views of the definition = of "invasive species," (here reproduced for your convenience), but there = also are other flaws. Does ESA agree (aside from grammar nit-picking) = with the text of the cited "laws?"=20 http://www.iscc.ca.gov/cisac-strategic-framework.html INVASIVE SPECIES=20 What is an Invasive Species? The ISCC Bylaws define invasive species as "non-native organisms = which cause economic or environmental harm." The bylaws clarify that = invasive species within the scope of the council do not include humans, = domestic livestock or non-harmful exotic organisms. This matches the definition established at the federal level by = Executive Order 13112 in 1999, which established the National Invasive = Species Council. It defines invasive species as "alien species whose = introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm = or harm to human health." The order clarifies that alien species are = those introduced to an area, whether intentionally or unintentionally, = as a result of human activity. California Food and Agricultural Code (Section 5260.5) defines = "invasive pests" as "animals, plants, insects, and plant and animal = diseases, or groups of those animals, plants, insects, and plant and = animal diseases, including seeds, eggs, spores, or other matter capable = of propagation for which introduction into California would or likely = would cause economic or environmental harm." Invasive species come in all shapes and sizes, and their impacts = range from clogging water pipes to killing wildlife, from ruining crops = to posing a human health hazard. Many organizations are involved in = addressing invasive species in California. The ISCC and CISAC formed to = coordinate and strengthen the efforts of these organizations. =20 WT
