Invasive Species
The National Invasive Species Act (NISA) and the Service The Service’s Fisheries and Habitat Conservation Program, through its Division of Environmental Quality, Branch of Invasive Species, supports implementation of the Act through its Invasive Species Program. This program provides national leadership in preventing, eradicating, and controlling aquatic invasive species. The program provides funding to support the Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Task Force and numerous activities to implement the Act on a national level. It also funds seven Service regional coordinators and their respective invasive species activities. These coordinators work closely with the public and private sector to develop and implement invasive species management activities. Many of the Service’s fishery resources offices also provide support for invasive species management activities. Invasive Species Management on National Wildlife Refuges As refuges increase their activities against invasive plants and animals, a strong coalition of organized citizen volunteers is being used to strengthen the invasive species management program. In conjunction with the Center for Invasive Plant Management, the Refuge System has developed an online training program designed to introduce volunteers to the management of invasive plants on refuges. The five self study modules address the purpose and history of the Refuge System, how refuges manage invasive plants, how volunteers can help, and tips for community outreach. The program is available at: www.fws.gov/invasives/volunteersTrainingModule. By linking an early detection network of professionals and volunteers to Service efforts for rapid response (control and eradication), efficient and effective invasive species management can be achieved. The Refuge System also has Invasive Species Strike Teams to quickly control new invasive plant infestations on refuges. In addition, the Refuge System is working with USGS to facilitate predictive modeling of infestations that will help prevent the spread of invasives. Working With Others The Service is working with other agencies and Departments to coordinate national and local-level invasive species management activities and share information and new techniques for fighting invasive species. Prevention, early detection, rapid response, and control and management are key components of the National Invasive Species Management Plan and other interagency/interdepartmental programs. The need for stronger coordination and cooperation between Federal resource managers and the private sector, particularly in local communities, is essential. The Service plans to work closely with States, Tribes, refuge Friends Groups, and volunteers to address these goals because outreach and education are critical components in preventing invasive speciesFor more information, contact: NWRS National Invasive Species
Coordinator Aquatic Nuisance Species, Branch
Chief - Invasive Species Web Links:
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An "invasive
species" is defined as a species that is not native (i.e. exotic
or alien) to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction
causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to
human health. Invasive species can be plants, animals, and other
organisms (e.g., microbes). Human actions are the primary means of invasive
species introductions. Employee Pocket Guide | Division of Human Resources | Index/Site Map
