One of the most interesting thing I read recently is how earthworms are altering our ecosystems. Those large worms that we love so much in the garden are actually invasive themselves. We don't have large native worms in most of the northern United states. These eurasian earthworms do what worms do. They drag organic material down into the earth. What is the problem with that? Well, our forests evolved without them. Tree seedlings and other plant seedlings evolved to germinate in the duff layer (decaying plant material like leaves). Enter the worms that remove this duff layer. Now enter asian and european species of plants and trees (Amur honeysuckle and glossy buckthorn)that are used to earthworms. They can get a strong hold much more easily than our native species in this situation. In addition, the worms like calciferous soil and will change the pH of our acidic forest soils to an alkaline one. All bad news for our native plants and hence native insects and animals. So, one suggested strategy for restoration is actually to spray for worms to help alleviate the problem. So, many of the issues with natives vs. non-natives are complex.

We have a never ending invasives battle in our woods because others think honeysuckle makes for such a good screen. It really sucks...

-Elisabeth

I'm thinking that we just have to go with the flow of evolution. But it IS a very complex situation.
Its tempting to think that the way things were, are the way we want them to always be and the way they "should" be. But I guess the earth is always in a state of change. Its hard though when the change seems to be a negative one.........which, in terms of "evolution" isn't good or bad.....it just is.
We have some honeysuckle shrubs that are about 15-20' tall. I think the original owner of this property got them from the DNR back in the early 70's. I think every single seed from them grows. I fear we've populated our entire county with them.
Another curious thing.......the original owner planted Russian olive too, but it seemed to die out for many, many years. Last year, however it all started coming back again. :(
DH cleared out a section of honeysuckle out back, and for a year or 2, it was beautiful. We could actually see the forest floor. But....once again, its mostly all honeysuckle. :(
I could go on and on about this, but I'll spare you. :)

Susan

I read that goats will also eat honeysuckle, leash them up to cover a small area...they will eat it down to the ground and eventually the Honeysuckle will stop growing.

Chickens will also peck an area until nothing grows. Maybe it's time to start a chicken farm - Fresh eggs and fresh poltury! Turkeys maybes?

If you really must get rid of your Japanese Honeysuckle without having to start a farm, and you don't want to start some bee hives (I'd love to be able to do this myself...still trying to buy property though):

(From http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/loja1.htm)

Chemical
In moderate cold climates, Japanese honeysuckle leaves continue to photosynthesize long after most other plants have lost their leaves. This allows for application of herbicides when many native species are dormant. However, for effective control with herbicides, healthy green leaves must be present at application time and temperatures must be sufficient for plant activity. Several systemic herbicides (e.g., glyphosate and triclopyr) move through the plant to the roots when applied to the leaves or stems and have been used effectively on Japanese honeysuckle.

Following label guidelines, apply a 2.5% rate of glyphosate (e.g., Rodeo� for wetlands; Roundup� for uplands) mixed with water and an appropriate surfactant, to foliage from spring through fall. Alternatively, apply a 2% concentration of triclopyr (e.g., Garlon 3A) plus water to foliage, thoroughly wetting the leaves but not to the point of drip-off. A coarse, low-pressure spray should be used. Repeat applications may be needed. Treatment in the fall, when many non-target plants are going dormant, is best. Also, a 25% glyphosate or triclopyr solution mixed with water can be applied to cut stem surfaces any time of year as long as the ground is not frozen.

Though I would never use roundup myself, that stuff is poisonous and kind of makes the dirt unusable for gardening afterwards.

There is always a silver lining, sometimes you just need a little imagination or creativity.

Good luck