Less is More: Invasive Species Removal in Ohio’s Miami Valley Region as part of a Green Jobs Guarantee Program

When it comes to plants and other wildlife, it is important to distinguish between quality and quantity. More green space may be pleasing to the eye, but if the green space contains invasive plants, it can cause more harm than good. Unfortunately, invasive species can be found all over Ohio – in state parks, nature preserves, local park systems, farm land, and citizens’ back yards. In this proposal, the negative impact of invasive species in Ohio will be analyzed from ecological, economic, and sociocultural lenses. The concept of an Invasive Species Removal Technician as part of a green jobs guarantee program will then be explored. Finally, some challenges in this program’s implementation and potential solutions will be examined