Invasive pest problem calls for creative ideas
Budgetary crisis or not, it won't do to take a hiatus from the battle against invasive species — those plants, insects and other pests that overtake native plants and threaten cash crops.
But with the state's budget shortfall threatening to derail the effort, it's time for creative, outside-the-box solutions to keep the fight going.
Advocates are fighting, as they should, for the state to maintain its programs to combat invasive species. They correctly argue that spending some money on prevention — such as state inspection of shipments — can save more money later by curbing environmental damage.
But the reality is that the state programs are threatened not only by the state's across-the-board budget shortfall but by the economic downturn and its effect on the real estate market. The money comes from the conveyance tax, and a slowdown in real estate transactions means that's likely to yield scant revenue.
Legislative leaders are committed to environmental protection and many hope to insulate invasive species initiatives. But a reality check suggests that they need a Plan B, one that will cost less. One of the special caches created for this purpose, the Natural Area Reserve Fund, is likely to drop by half, from $12 million to $6 million.
Some legislators hope to offset some of this loss with federal funds that could be used to reconvene the Environmental Work Force created during the last major downturn, in the wake of 9/11.
The force could hire some crews to work on eradication projects, complementing the work being done by native-plants reforestation projects throughout the state. And volunteers should be enlisted for more of this work, as well.
In addition, the state needs to use some of its limited funds on public education and outreach. Residents would be more inclined to self-police against transporting pests between islands, for example, if they're aware of the pitfalls.
A state's creativity is best measured by how it deploys innovative strategies for problems when money is tight. Such creativity is needed urgently, right now.
