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Developing a State Invasive Species Program


Register and Report Now!

Establish a state EDRR coordinating committee

  • Develop a committee work plan
  • Identify committee members; develop an EDRR target list
  • Develop a clear communications structure with protocols for reporting, id and vouchering, data archival, rapid assessments, and rapid response initiatives

Develop and train a state Early Detection and Reporting Network (EDRN)

  • Agency field personnel (Department of Natural Resource biologists, Nature Conservancy land stewards, county extension agents, county weed supervisors, Department of Ag inspectors, etc.)
  • EDRN volunteers (Native Plant Society members, friends, groups, civic club members, master gardeners, fishermen, scouts, 4-H, FFA, etc.)

Identify, survey, and monitor important natural and managed resources that are at risk from biological invasion.

  • Conduct weekend bio-blitzes for new weeds at selected parks, forests, refuges, etc.
  • Monitor high hazard sites where new invasive species may first become established (e.g., maritime ports of entry, international airports, bonded warehouses, free trade zones, inland intermodal shipping terminals)

Develop a state Invasive Plant Atlas

  • Archival of field data records submitted by the EDRN
  • "Real-time" Distribution Information on EDRR Target Species - Beneficial for:
    • Creating Distribution Maps of EDRR Target Species
    • Ecological Niche Modeling Research
    • Planning Invasive Plant Control Programs

Rapid Assessment - conduct rapid assessments of newly reported species that are not already regulated within a state (regulated species generally don't require a new assessment)

  • Identify an appropriate lead agency to address a particular new invasive plant problem OR
  • Recommend the establishment of an invasive plant task force to address a new invasive plant problem that cannot be addressed by a single agency.

Rapid Response - develop a rapid response plan to address specific problems.

  • Assist the designated lead agency in addressing a new invasive plant problem
  • Establish an invasive plant task force to address the problem - as appropriate. The Carolinas Beach Vitex is a good example of a successful interagency partnership.

Take the message to others, especially young people. Volunteer to talk about invasive species and what each of us can do to help at a local school or scout group.