The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service Southern Research Station (SRS) is distributing free copies of a new guide that provides information on controlling and removing invasive plants in the South.

The guide is titled "A Management Guide for Invasive Plants in Southern Forests."

"The guide provides the latest information on how to create and carry out prevention programs, implement management practices, and rehabilitate and restore land," said Jim Miller, Ph.D., an emeritus SRS research ecologist based in Auburn, Ala., and lead author of the book. "The guide serves as a staple for foresters, natural resource managers and others who want to remove invasive plants that have become a serious problem in the 13 Southern states."

Invasive plants often harm forests and other natural areas by pushing out native plants, which degrades habitat and adversely affects wildlife. Exotic plants often reduce forest productivity, native plant and animal diversity, and water quality.

Miller authored the guide with Steven Manning, president of Invasive Plant Control Inc., and Stephen Enloe, Ph.D., weed management specialist at Auburn University.

Miller is considered one of the foremost authorities on invasive plants in the South.

Published by SRS, the book provides information on developing strategies for combating 56 of the most pervasive invasive species in the South such as kudzu, tallowtree, tree-of-heaven and Japanese honeysuckle.

The 120-page guide informs readers on how invasive plants spread, preventetive measures that help reduce their distribution, and how to develop management plans.

The guide combines 392 colorful photos with details on herbicides, application methods, biological controls, tools and mechanical treatments, grazing techniques and more.

Residents can request free copies of the guide by calling (828) 257-4830. It is also posted on the SRS website at http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/36915.