Invasive plants have become a costly issue throughout the world. In North America alone, the economic and ecologic costs are staggering. Consequently the approach to repairing damaged ecosystems must be mindful of invasives, long before seeds are planted. Invasive plant competition underscores the need for careful analysis and planning. This special session will focus on some of the best practices, tools, and methods known at this time. One paper in this session will report on one continent’s efforts to prevent and control invasives through partnerships and more. The second paper will examine the application of this knowledge in highway corridor settings and how the future of restoration/mitigation projects is threatened by invasives. The need for early analysis and planning in a continental context is key globally.