Non-native flora can also be called alien, invasive, or exotic, each having a slightly different meaning. In effect, non-native plants are those that have established themselves in area from outside its native range. They move around with people as a result of immigration, migration, and trade. In their new homes, they can have a multitude of impacts from very little to very big (e.g. invasive). They can put tremendous pressure on native biodiversity and out-competing natives for habitat. They can have wide-ranging impacts in the ecosystem as they form distinct plant communities, represent new food sources, and alter nutrient cycles. Dealing with non-native flora must be done on a case-by-case basis. Strategies can be mechanical (using human or machine power to physically remove plants), chemical (using pesticide), biotic (using other species as control agents), or physical (using fire).
The Gorge’s goal for dealing with non-native plants is often not eradication, but control.