Linkages between economic activities on the distribution of exotic species

Non-native scentless chamomile (Matricaria perforata) has replaced native wildflowers in a development near Crested Butte (above photograph), the wildflower capital of Colorado. Accidental and purposeful introductions of invasive plants can occur during real estate development (Taylor and Irwin 2004). Changes to these economic activities are needed to help minimize the exotic species problem. As a first step, a number of horticulture and landscaping organizations are developing voluntary approaches for reducing the introduction and spread of invasive plants (see The Center for Plant Conservation website). A major hurdle will be changing the demand for non-native plants, which is ultimately driven by human behaviors.

My current interests involve developing economic and ecological concepts related to preventing and controlling non-native species, and then working with policy makers to implement these programs to help reduce problems associated with non-native species in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

In general, I am interested in integrating economics and ecology, and would be interested in collaborating with others on the feedbacks between economic activities and ecosystem structure and function.