Application for release of R. conicus was submitted to a
Federal-State review committee in 1967. It was clearly
stated that both native and introduced Cirsium spp. were
likely to support development of R. conicus (Schroeder,
1980; Zwölfer, 1967; Zwölfer and Harris, 1984). The release
proposal was extensively peer reviewed by Federal, State,
and international colleagues: USDA-ARS, USDA-Forest
Service, U.S. Department of Interior (Bureau of Reclamation,
Bureau of Land Management and Fish and Wildlife
Service), and Canada. It was unanimously agreed to accept
the risk to native Cirsium spp. given the potential to help
manage Carduus, a major weed. Thus, as is their responsibility,
the reviewers recommended release of R. conicus on
behalf of society at large.