I am a Logger or Forester

Cogongrass, an invasive grass from Asia, is considered “the seventh worst weed in the world”. It was introduced, accidentally, into Alabama in 1911 as a seed in packing materials from Japan. This species is widespread in Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi and is starting to spread into Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Cogongrass now contaminates 1.25 million acres in the southeastern United States. It can displace entire communities of native plants and poses an increased fire threat. Cogongrass fires are hotter, faster, and higher than native grass fires. An infestation of cogongrass increases the possibility of the crown of the tree burning which means the tree is killed. When native understory plants burn the trees not only survive but the fire often triggers the trees to release their seeds. Cogongrass is easily spread by root or rhizome fragments. Rhizome fragments of less than 1/4 inch can re-sprout. Eradication is difficult and expensive. Some studies have noted a 20% decrease in timber productivity with cogongrass present.

Dutch elm disease has been one of the most devastating events in the history of forestry. The disease is caused by the fungus, Ophiostoma ulmi, whose spores are transmitted to trees by elm bark beetles. The elm bark beetle was accidentally introduced to America and Europe from Asia. The disease was first found in the United States, in Ohio, in 1930 and has now spread through the majority of the country. Dutch elm disease has killed over half of the elm trees in the northern U.S. and causes the most harm to American elms.