Ecosystem Processes: Tropical Ecosystems ^ Main Topic | Tropical
Ecosystems | Sierra Nevada Ecosystems Our mission is to develop
and implement knowledge needed to restore, protect, and sustain
upland and wetland forests of the Pacific for purposes of
conservation and use. Research and Technical Assistance
Emphases: Invasive Species: Invasive exotic species are a major
threat to Pacific Island forests. In Hawaii , almost 1100 exotic
plants have naturalized during the last 200 years. Of these,
more than 100 pose significant threats to native ecosystems and
species, altering ecosystems processes such as regeneration,
nutrient availability, water supply, fire regimes and
biodiversity. More than half of these species were intentionally
introduced to Hawai'i for their potential utility in forestry,
horticulture and ranching. The Forest Service's Institute of
Pacific Islands Forestry is one of the few federal laboratories
whose mission includes research and control of invasive plants
in native ecosystems. Restoratio