Managing invasive species: The hidden economic and environmental costs of public protest

There are two major consequences of public opposition to managing, controlling, or eradicating exotic invasive species: increased costs because of legal challenges and increased threats to native biodiversity and agro-ecosystems. This paper discusses how new social media have been used to organize and polarize special interest groups to prevent control or eradication programs for invasive species. It is well documented that exotic invasive species can alter natural ecosystems by competing with or displacing native species, killing native species, and disrupting natural processes. They can also have severe economic effects on agricultural systems by damaging food crops and other commodities and increasing the use of pesticides to prevent damage. Quarantines placed on commodities to prevent the spread of invasive species can also have great economic impacts. Prompt eradication of small, new infestations of invasive species is the most efficient strategy and is often successful. However, public opposition to the presence of any chemicals, pheromones, or organic pesticides, especially in urban settings, is restricting the use of these pest management tools. A 2009 eradication program for the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar (L.)) in Eugene, Oregon is used as a case study to discuss the effects of public opposition.