Volunteers and Invasive Plants: Learning and Lending a Hand

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

"Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will use modern technologies to prevent the introduction of parasitic-plant pests and Federal noxious weeds … into the United States. APHIS will exclude, detect and eradicate newly introduced weeds that pose the highest risk to US agriculture or the environment."

• Plant Protection Act
  Act: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/lpa/pubs/fsheet_faq_notice/fs_phproact.html
• Noxious weed program
  Website: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/weeds

US Customs and Border Protection

Monitors for illegal agricultural products entering the United States, including plant parts intended for growing.

Presidential Executive Order 13112 on Invasive Species

Created the National Invasive Species Council (NISC) whose responsibilities include

• coordinating federal agency efforts on invasive species
• promoting action at local, state, tribal, and ecosystem levels
• making recommendations on international cooperation
• facilitating a network to document and monitor invasive species
• developing a web-based information site
  Website: www.invasivespecies.gov
• preparing a management plan
  Plan: http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/docs/council/mp.pdf
  2005 progress report: http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/docs/council/progressrpt2005.pdf

Federal Interagency Committee for the Management of Noxious and Exotic Weeds (FICMNEW)

A partnership of 16 federal agencies with invasive plant management and regulatory responsibilities, and is identified in the Executive Order as the primary federal-level organization that NISC should rely on for implementing the Executive Order.

FICMNEW

• bridges the gap between federal agency invasive plant management and science activities
• coordinates information about the identification and extent of invasive plants in the United States
• develops and shares scientific and technical information
• fosters collaboration among federal agencies
• provides recommendations for national and regional level invasive plant management
• sponsors technical and educational conferences and workshops on invasive plants

Federal Agencies

DOI United States Geological Survey
Research branch of the Department of the Interior. Conducts research in partnerships with other federal agencies such as the National Park Service and Fish and Wildlife Service, states, universities, and others.

• National Institute for Invasive Species Science

USDA Forest Service
Conducts research through technology development centers, experimental forests, and research stations. Works in partnerships with other agencies, states, universities, and the private sector.

Universities

Many universities have scientists who conduct research on invasive plants. These scientists often work in cooperation with federal and state agencies.
University examples:

• Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants - University of Florida
  Website: http://aquat1.ifas.ufl.edu
• Invasive Species Ecology and Biological Control Lab - Michigan State University
  Website: http://www.landislab.ent.msu.edu

Federal Land Management Agencies

Federal agencies that manage public lands have programs that address invasive plant problems.

• Fish and Wildlife Service
  Website: http://www.fws.gov/invasives
• National Park Service
  Website: http://www.nature.nps.gov/biology/invasivespecies
• Bureau of Land Management
  Website: http://www.blm.gov/weeds
• Forest Service
  Website: http://www.fs.fed.us/invasivespecies

US Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration

Active in the effort to control and prevent the spread of invasive plants along roads and other transportation corridors. Promotes the use of native plants to control invasive plants.

Roadside Use of Native Plants
Website: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/rdsduse

National Association of Exotic Pest Plant Councils

A network of non-profit organizations that come together as a national coalition that speak as one voice on invasive plant issues.

The Nature Conservancy

Provides resources for land managers and others working with invasive plants.
Online resources include

• guides to developing weed management plans
• invasive species learning networks
• volunteer coordination and public outreach
• weed control methods handbook

Center for Invasive Plant Management

Supports natural resource managers, scientists, and educators pursuing ecological approaches to invasive plant management by

• offering online education for professional development
• transferring the latest scientific knowledge to land managers
• developing products and publications
• information clearinghouse website

Center for Plant Conservation

Works to conserve native and rare plants in the United States. Provides plant material for restoration efforts and assists in monitoring populations, managing habitat, and restoring plants to native habitats.

Partnerships among Government Agencies and Conservation Organizations

National Wildlife Refuge Association

With the mission “to protect, enhance and expand the National Wildlife Refuge System...”, the NWRA educates the public on issues that threaten refuges such as invasive plants.
Website: http://www.refugenet.org

Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!

Aimed at recreational water users, Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers! educates boaters, anglers, and others on the problems associated with invasive aquatic plants.
Website: http://www.protectyourwaters.net

Habitattitude

An initiative aimed at stopping the introduction and spread of nonnative fish and aquatic plants by partnering with the aquarium and pet industry as well as the landscaping and gardening industry.
Website: http://www.habitattitude.net

Weeds Gone Wild

A web-based project of the Plant Conservation Alliance which promotes on-the-ground conservation with targeted public outreach to protect and restore native plants.
Website: http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien