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The Clean Boats, Clean Waters watercraft inspection program is an opportunity to take a front line defense against the spread of aquatic invasive species. Program inspectors are trained to organize and conduct a boater education program in their community. Adults and youth teams educate boaters on how and where invasive species are most likely to hitch a ride into waterbodies. Inspectors perform boat and trailer checks for invasive specie​s, distribute informational brochures, and collect and report any new AIS presence in waterbodies. 

A new invasive species coalition is celebrating significant milestones in preventing expansion of invasive species after the first anniversary of an important agreement. The North American Invasive Species Management Association, Wildlife Forever, the National Park Service, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are working to implement on-the-ground strategies to engage the American public and help prevent the spread of invasive species under the new agreement.

To prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Western Regional Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species, and others are making information available to boat haulers, auctioneers, marinas, manufacturers, and brokers to make it easy to comply with state, provincial and federal laws, prevent costly delays in transporting or selling boats, and help reduce the spread of aquatic invasive species.

In December 2021, the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC) initiated a program to prevent delays during the transport of watercraft destined for the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. The program, Call Before You Haul, provides a toll-free number (1-844-311-4873) boat transporters can call prior to transporting watercraft from outside the Pacific Northwest to one of the aforementioned states. The program was piloted in 10 states.

The Call Before You Haul 1.0 program was initiated in late 2022 prevent the introduction and establishment of quagga and zebra mussels in the Columbia River Basin states and prevent the movement of aquatic invasive species via trailered watercraft. Call Before You Haul 1.0 consisted of creating a 24-7 toll-free number for boat transporters and working directly with state agencies that permit interstate oversize/overweight loads, including watercraft, to raise boat transporter awareness about trailered watercraft as a vector for aquatic invasive species. There remains a significant number of infested watercraft coming from the Great Lakes regions of the United States and Canada to western states.

Call Before You Haul 2.0 expanding in February 2024, is an effort to work collaboratively with Great Lakes region entities to reduce interstate transport of aquatic invasive species — for the benefit of all states and provinces. 
See also: Register for kickoff Call Before You Haul 2.0 webinar on February 22, 10-11 am PST.

USDA APHIS' Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) provides national leadership and coordination in crop biosecurity and emergency management. As the lead Federal agency for plant health emergencies, PPQ works cooperatively with national and international plant protection organizations; Federal, State, tribal, and local agencies; universities; industries; and private entities in developing and implementing science-based framework designed to provide optimum protection against invasive pests and diseases.

This updated protocol is based on the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG)’s 2017 “Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations” (PMS 444). The intent of this NRCG guide is to provide a more prescriptive protocol intended for a fire management audience, and to increase compliance and consistency of best management practices related to preventing AIS. The protocol applies to both ground operations and aviation and is mandatory in the Northern Rockies region. This protocol is demonstrated via a “How to Guide,” which includes detailed instructions for ordering, set up, and assembly of AIS decontamination stations; options for products/equipment based on site specific conditions; and best management practices for drafting water, which can prevent the risk of most AIS being transported or spread via wildland fire equipment. Fire management agencies in the west are taking the threat of AIS seriously and have committed to decreasing the possible risk of introduction and spread by fire management personnel.
See also: Invasive Species Subcommittee which provides national leadership in the prevention of invasive species transport by wildland fire mobile equipment and related vehicles.

The aim of this report was to identify the resources, strategies, and policies necessary to create, maintain, and make accessible one or more commodity/invasive species databases that EPA and other relevant agencies can apply to trade policy decision-making in a timely and scientifically-based manner.

The National Detector Dog Training Center trains specially selected dogs and their handlers to safeguard America’s agricultural and natural resources from harmful pests. These dog teams carry out a range of activities, from inspecting passenger baggage, cargo, and parcels at ports of entry to detecting certain invasive species in the environment. Together, they help protect our Nation's food crops, forests, farms, and environment.

Detector canines—trained by USDA's Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) program—are ready to sniff out these damaging invasive pests to detect them early and prevent their spread. These highly trained dogs represent some of the recent successes of our Agricultural Detector Canines strategic initiative. Its goal is to expand the use of detector dogs to enhance domestic pest surveys, detect pests early, and facilitate the trade of U.S. agricultural products.

Coordination and collaboration across jurisdictions are crucial to strategically stem the spread of invasive species. DOI’s Office of Policy Analysis (PPA) coordinates invasive species policy, planning, and program activities among DOI’s Bureaus and Offices. PPA leads DOI-wide invasive species initiatives, facilitates the development and implementation of DOI invasive species action plans, and coordinates the DOI’s Invasive Species Task Force, a leadership body composed of Bureau and Office representatives.  Examples of focus areas include invasive species policy, early detection and rapid response, database interoperability, performance indicators, joint budget proposals, and communications. In addition, PPA is DOI’s point-of-contact for issues and questions related to invasive species and serves as a liaison to the National Invasive Species Council.

Learn about responsible pet ownership and why it’s important to prevent the release of pets into the wild. Since 2012, Don't Let it Loose has been working to provide responsible rehoming information to pet owners who, for one reason or another, need to find another home for their pet. Don’t Let it Loose is managed by Invasive Species Action Network with support from the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service. The project works with state governments and independent pet stores to publicize options for pet owners who are no longer able or willing to care for their exotic pets.
See also: Don't Let It Loose

On Monday April 8, 2024, a total eclipse of the sun will be visible in a roughly 115 mile wide swath (called the path of totality) crossing North America as it passes over Mexico, the U.S., and Canada. Millions of travelers are expected to camp out over the weekend so they can be in the best viewing area on Monday to see the amazing spectacle of a complete solar eclipse. The Nature Conservancy is asking everyone that plans to use firewood for the solar eclipse celebration weekend to buy local firewood near their destination, bring packaged certified heat-treated firewood, or gather their firewood responsibly on site if permitted by the campground or landowner.

Christmas trees, wreaths & decorations may contain forest pests. Cut locally, buy locally, or order online from a reputable business. Not sure what to do with your Christmas tree and greenery after the holidays? Learn the Dos and Don'ts of Christmas tree disposal to avoid spreading invasive species.

Electronic Data Information Source Publication #VM65

Every five years, Congress develops and passes a Farm Bill that outlines agriculture and food policy for the country. In the Farm Bill, Congress can create new programs and reform existing ones. In recent Farm Bills, Congress has created new USDA, APHIS programs that benefit the nation’s farmers and ranchers. Programs include those related to animal health, feral swine, pests and diseases of concern, and plant health.

Section 12203(b) of the 2018 Farm Bill required APHIS to develop a list of pests and diseases that pose the most significant threat to U.S. agriculture. 
See related resource: Animal and Plant Diseases and Pests of Concern

Firewood is widely recognized as a major source of non-native forest insect and disease infestations. A rule governing the importation of untreated firewood into Vermont went into effect on May 1, 2016. Visitors to Vermont State Parks, Vermont State Forests, and the Green Mountain National Forest may only bring firewood originating from Vermont or that is heat treated and in its original, labeled package. To help slow the spread of emerald ash borer within Vermont, ash firewood that has not been heat treated should not be moved outside of the Emerald Ash Borer Infested Area in Vermont.

As of Jul 2011, New Hampshire has banned the importation of untreated firewood without a commercial or home heating compliance agreement. Firewood is a major source of damaging insects and diseases. This quarantine will help protect the health on New Hampshire's forests.