An official website of the United States government.
The Invasive Species Definition Clarification and Guidance white paper provides a non-regulatory policy interpretation of the term "invasive species" by identifying what is meant and, just as important, what is not meant by the term.
An invasive species is "an alien species whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health" as per Executive Order 13112: Section1. Definitions.
Invasive Species Definition Clarification and Guidance White Paper [PDF, 202 KB]
2006
National Invasive Species Council.
Submitted by the Definitions Subcommittee of the Invasive Species Advisory Committee (ISAC), approved by ISAC Apr 27, 2006. The purpose of the Invasive Species Definition Clarification and Guidance white paper is to provide a non-regulatory policy interpretation of the term invasive species by identifying what is meant and, just as important, what is not meant by the term. The white paper also provides insight into those areas where societal judgments will be necessary to implement effective public policy. The utility of the clarification white paper is in education, conflict resolution, and efficiency in the planning, prevention, control/eradication, and management of invasive species.
See related resource: ISAC White Papers for additional white papers, peer-reviewed papers, and recommendations.
Citation: Beck, G. K. Zimmerman, J.D. Schardt, J. Stone, R.R. Lukens, S. Reichard, J. Randall, A.A. Cangelosi, D. Cooper, and J.P. Thompson. 2006. Invasive Species Defined in a Policy Context: Recommendations from the Federal Invasive Species Advisory Committee. Invasive Plant Science and Management 1(4):414-421.