UC Davis' Kris Godfrey says scientists have done a poor job explaining why invasive pests and plants are so bad for California's environment and economy. That's why this conference has communications experts as speakers in addition to the usual scientific crowd.
GODFREY: "If we can all become a bit more cognizant of the risk of accidentally bringing something in or intentionally -you know, being well-meaning, but intentionally bringing something in you shouldn't we can save money on cleanup, we can save money to industries.
Among the invasive species to be discussed: zebra and quagga
mussels, the European grapevine moth and the golden spotted oak
borer. U.C Riverside's Center for Invasive Species Research
says California agriculture loses $3 billion dollars every year to
invasive pests and plants