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The Western Regional Panel (WRP) was formed to promote a cooperative regional response to the threat of aquatic invasive species (also known as aquatic nuisance species, ANS), especially among member states. States have broad authorities and resources that are critically needed to combat invasive species. Aquatic invasive species impact states economically and environmentally. The WRP is attempting to assist our member states by recommending actions that will reduce the risk of aquatic invasive species for each state and our region as a whole. The WRP encourages our member states to implement actions to reduce the risk from aquatic invasive species for our region. The following recommendations have been reviewed and approved by the WRP members.
I. Actions to build state capacity for managing aquatic invasive species.
2. Establish state ANS or Invasive Species Committees – The challenges caused by invasive species can be so diverse, extensive and long-term that they require consistent attention over time by the full range of agencies that serve the affected public. A coordinating committee, especially if established through legislation, has the greatest ability to provide a stable long-term forum for key stakeholders to address ANS problems.
3. Create state ANS management plans – Statewide ANS Management Plans can provide a well thought out, effective action strategy that creates consensus and support from partners within the state and, if approved by the national Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force, can make a state eligible for federal funding.
4. Appoint a representative to the WRP and provide the resources needed for participation – The problems caused by invasive species cannot be solved by any one state or entity. International, national, regional, state and local initiatives are needed to effect meaningful solutions. Participation in the WRP our panel provides members access to new, creative ideas and facilitates coordination among state efforts and national and international programs. Informed state actions are better able to implement effective programs that are consistent with federal law.
2. Implement programs to prevent the spread of invasive species from boating as well as other pathways. The spread of aquatic invasive species among fresh water lakes and rivers, coastal estuaries, and nearshore marine waters can be greatly reduced by implementing state prevention programs. These programs should have adequate funding for boater education and inspection programs, along with the authority to make the transport of nonindigenous aquatic organisms on recreational or commercial boats illegal.
3. Create a state early detection and rapid response plan with clear authority and funding to quickly respond to new invasions and new pathways for invasion. The WRP has created a model rapid response plan that should make it easier for each of our member states to create and implement state specific response plans.
4. Provide state authority to designate water bodies that contain invasive species as “Infested Waters” and implement management actions to control the existing population and prevent spread. It is not feasible to eradicate some invasive species populations if they become firmly established before control action is begun. Control of invasive species in certain water bodies can become a long-term management commitment. The designation of “Infested Waters” (or any other special state designation) can allow managers to quantify the problem while implementing education, containment and control programs to limit the damages and long-term expense.
5. Implement a nonnative species classification program that may allow for the beneficial use of some nonnative species while screening out potentially invasive species prior to importation or release. The intentional importation and release of nonnative species has led to introduction of numerous invasive species. New federal and state programs are needed to screen out harmful invasive species prior to importation or release. Screening programs can reduce the impact of invasive species while allowing for their many beneficial uses.
1. Appoint a state ANS or Invasive Species Coordinator – Every state has multiple agencies, authorities and information sources that are used to implement a wide variety of aquatic invasive species management programs. A coordinator is needed to integrate these efforts into an efficient unified state response to the threat, and to serve as an identifiable lead contact for the state on aquatic and related invasive species issues.
II. Actions to improve state authorities and increase funding for implementation
1. Provide a long-term stable source of state funding that can be used as match for federal funding to implement state invasive species management programs – Some states have already implemented aquatic invasive species management programs that are supported by fees, license revenues, or general fund dollars. Federal funding by itself is insufficient to address the problem, but it can serve as a good catalyst for leveraging limited state funds. Each state should consider their various funding options and strive to secure long-term funding for ANS management.
a. Survey trailered recreational boats according to 100th Meridian Initiative Guidelines. The 100th Meridian Initiative has a standard survey form which can be found at www.100thmeridian.org being used by many states to find out which boats are entering western states from infested waters, where they are headed and what highways they are using. This information, in a searchable database, can help focus education activities along specific pathways.
