There is great potential for integrating science and management to control or mitigate nonnative species, but such an integration faces substantial obstacles. Fundamental differences between science and management threaten the ability of scientists and managers to collaborate effectively. For example, science strives for generality, whereas management of natural resources is necessarily a site- and objective-specific endeavor. In addition, the literature on biological invasions is characterized by weak inference, relying mostly on post hoc, correlative research because of ethical and practical concerns associated with purposeful introductions. These obstacles notwithstanding, several patterns have been documented with respect to plant invasions and ecosystem processes. Unfortunately, documenting rates and patterns of spread has provided little predictive power and few clues about control strategies. It is clear, however, that predicting and controlling the spread of invasive species will require a concerted, holistic effort that integrates science and management.

Additional index words: Community structure, ecosystem function, plant invasions, resource management.

Abbreviation: NPS, National Park Service.