1.   And other exotic pests continue to strengthen their foothold.

2.   Another exotic pest, the Old World climbing fern, makes fires more damaging by helping them spread to treetops.

3.   Scientists, environmentalists and federal regulators say the practice amounts to a pipeline pumping exotic pests and diseases into U.S. harbors.

4.   The plant is classified as an exotic pest plant.

5.   Two new exotic pests have established beachheads in Southern California and already have begun to leave their mark, entomologists say.

6.   Without the spraying, foresters fear, the caterpillars of the exotic pest will within a few years begin to ravage the majestic hardwoods in and around Highlands.

7.   More important, prices are holding steady and demand is increasing even as the industry faces an array of challenges from higher power prices to exotic pests.