This project will respond to the first detection in Rhode Island of the invasive aquatic weed, Hydrilla verticilatta. If left unmanaged, hydrilla has the potential to change fish and wildlife habitats, and could lead to reduced fishing, recreation, local tourism, lakeshore home values, and tax revenues. The project will be the first early detection rapid response effort by the State of Rhode Island that addresses a new invasive plant with herbicides and will serve as a model for planning future responses.

Project Quick Facts:

LocationRhode Island
Project Funding$133,000
Key SpeciesHydrilla verticilatta
Partner Project LeadRhode Island Department of Environmental Management
underwater photo of large walls of hydrilla a plant
Image Details

The Rapid Response Fund

The U.S. Department of the Interior, as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) is a once-in-a-generation investment in the nation’s infrastructure and economic competitiveness. We were directly appropriated $455 million over five years in BIL funds for programs related to the President’s America the Beautiful initiative.

Learn more about Bipartisan Infrastructure Law authorization for ecosystem restoration, invested $1 million in 2023 to establish a pilot Rapid Response Fund for Aquatic Invasive Species with an additional $1 million envisioned each year 2024 through 2026 as part of advancing a National Early Detection Rapid Response Framework. The Rapid Response Fund is intended make financial resources available to assess and support response actions for quick containment or eradication of newly detected invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.

Learn more about invasive species , thus avoiding costly long-term and wide-spread control efforts. 

Visit our frequently asked questions page to learn more about the award structure and application process.

The Aquatic Invasive Species Program

The Service's Aquatic Invasive Species program safeguards waterways and communities from invasive species by working with partners and educating the public. Our regional coordinators work closely with the public and private sector partners and our network of conservation offices to conduct on-the-ground control projects and early detection surveillance and monitoring, and provide technical support. The Service also develops regulations to prohibit the importation and some transport of harmful species known as injurious wildlife and serves as a co-chair to the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force.

State(s)
Rhode Island

Species

Programs

Juvenile Northern Pike in aquarium at Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery, South Dakota
The Fish and Aquatic Conservation program leads aquatic conservation efforts for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. We are committed to tackling the nation’s highest priority aquatic conservation and recreational challenges to conserve, restore, and enhance fisheries for future generations.
Program
Falls Church,VA
A half dozen large silver fish jumping out of the water to a height of six feet.
Aquatic invasive species cause tremendous harm to our environment, our economy, and our health. They can drive out and eat native plants and wildlife, spread diseases, and damage infrastructure. We work to protect our waterways and the communities that depend on them from the threat of invasive...
Program
water background with ANS Task Force three circles with a fish, mussel, and plant
Aquatic Nuisance Species are organisms that produce harmful impacts on aquatic ecosystems or activities or dependent on these ecosystems such as agricultural, aquacultural, or recreation. ANS may occur in freshwater, estuarine, and marine waters and are one of the most significant threats to waters...
Program

Latest News

Stringy green vegetation being held in a person's hand
Science and Technology
Rapid Response Funding to Combat Aquatic Invasive Species
The U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced the selection of four projects, totaling $785,000, that will address the early detection and rapid response for aquatic invasive species.
A propeller is covered in tiny mussel shells.
Science and Technology
A Rapid Response Fund for Aquatic Invasive Species
The Department of the Interior is working with partners to identify, enhance, and collaborate on Early Detection and Rapid Response activities, including the establishment of a Rapid Response Fund for aquatic invasive species.