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An intense debate currently rages over management of North American forests. 

 Curiously, the impact of exotic (introduced or alien) pests on forest ecosystems has 

 largely been ignored in the past, despite widespread damage. Already, numerous tree 

 species are seriously affected. Furthermore, between 1991 and 1993, at least four new 

 exotic pcsis have been discovered. Advocates of forest utilization, whether for con- 

 sumptive or nonconsumptive use, need to recognize the potential threat of exotic 

 pests to forest composition, health, and longevity. The interest in restoring the health 

 of North American forests represents a common ground among contending interest 

 and consumer groups. 



This report documents the extensive impact that exotic organisms have had on 

 North American forests by using examples of affected tree species. Economic and 

 ecological consequences are presented. The mechanisms for prevention of exotic 

 organisms entering the U.S. and control of existing exotic pests are discussed. Two 

 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) agencies are primarily responsible 

 for pest prevention and pest control. The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection 

 Service (APHIS) is responsible for inspection and, if necessary, quarantine or denial 

 of entry, of animals and plants imported into this country. The responsibility for con- 

 trol of introduced pests, and associated research, has been shifted to the USDA 

 Forest Service and cooperating state agencies and universities. 



In addition, this report relates the current challenges and problems of importing 

 pcst-free wood materials, particularly from Siberia, New Zealand, and Chile. An 

 increase in raw wood importations will raise the probability of new, exotic pest infes- 

 tations. .\i present, the USDA-APIIIS is considering alternatives in pest mitigation 

 procedures to exclude or minimize exotic pest introductions. We recommend that 

 APHIS develop and apply reasonable, uniform mitigation procedures for different 

 wood materials, e.g., chips or logs, regardless of the species or country of origin. 

 Development of such procedures should have input from all forest user groups. 



Fmally, this report suggests that a comprehensive national pest management program 

 needs to be developed within the framework of existing agencies. The growing num- 

 ber of exotic pests and the corresponding damage to the ecosystem dictate that a 

 nationwide strategy be devised. Current budgetary levels will not support all facets of 

 a comprehensive program, so additional funding will be required. The burden of 

 such fu.iding should be borne by all user groups, rather than only those groups that 

 generate revenue from wood utilization. 



