Weed infestations managed by the nationally cost-shared Tropical Weeds Eradication Program have been affected by the passage of two severe tropical cyclones: Severe Tropical Cyclone Larry in 2006 and Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasi in 2011. The timing ofthe cyclones coincided with vegetative phases of most target weeds' life-cycles. Destructive winds severely damaged the tropical forest vegetation and produced masses of vegetative debris, impeding site access and slowing ground survey operations. Thisresulted in immediate delays to survey and weed control schedules. Changes in seedling recruitment patterns may only be apparent in program reporting after one or two years while other effects may arise over 3 or 4 years. There are immediate and longer term effects of cyclones particularly on the staff required to meet annual surveillance targets and protect the cost-share investment to date.
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