Resource Search

Chapter 9 (pages 203-230) in  open access book; see related resource: Invasive Species in Forests and Rangelands of the United States: A Comprehensive Science Synthesis for the United States Forest Sector

Invasive species have a major effect on many sectors of the U.S. economy and on the well-being of its citizens. Their presence impacts animal and human health, military readiness, urban vegetation and infrastructure, water, energy and transportations systems, and indigenous peoples in the United States. They alter bio-physical systems and cultural practices and require significant public and private expenditure for control. This chapter provides examples of the impacts to human systems and explains mechanisms of invasive species' establishment and spread within sectors of the U.S. economy.

Citation: Marsh, Anne S.; Hayes, Deborah C.; Klein, Patrice N.; Zimmerman, Nicole; Dalsimer, Aliso; Burkett, Douglas A.; Huebner, Cynthia D.; Rabaglia, Robert; Meyerson, Laura A.; Harper-Lore, Bonnie L.; Davidson, Jamie L.; Emery, Marla R.; Warziniack, Travis; Flitcroft, Rebecca; Kerns, Becky K.; Lopez, Vanessa M. 2021. Sectoral Impacts of Invasive Species in the United States and Approaches to Management. In: Poland, Therese M.; Patel-Weynand, Toral; Finch, Deborah M.; Ford Miniat, Chelcy; Hayes, Deborah C.; Lopez, Vanessa M., eds. Invasive Species in Forests and Rangelands of the United States: A Comprehensive Science Synthesis for the United States Forest Sector. Heidelberg, Germany: Springer International Publishing: 203 - 230. Chapter 9.

Firefighting personnel can unintentionally transport invasive species on clothes, gear, and equipment from the lower 48 to Alaska. They can also unintentionally spread invasive species within Alaska, from infested areas to clean areas. Aquatic invasive species can also be spread any time water is moved from an infested area to another waterbody, when seeds, propagules, or larvae are carried in small amounts of water or trapped in the water-handling equipment. This booklet is a tool to help identify some of the invasive species of greatest concern in Alaska and also suggests BMPs that will help firefighting personnel avoid introducing or spreading them. It also identifies four invasive species that should be reported to authorities and how to report them. See also: Invasive Plants Publications for more resources.

See also: Plant Materials Technical Documents for more species

Tracking the establishment and spread of existing and new invasive species is critical to effectively manage invasive species. In addition to standard means of monitoring, the USGS is developing new tools, particularly molecular techniques, to assist in the early detection of invasive species. Provides research information about eDNA and Genetic Tools for Zebra and Quagga Mussels.

Scientists with the USGS Brown Treesnake project conduct research on this snake species, including control tool development and validation, ecology and ecological impacts, and early detection methods.
See also: Brown Treesnake Rapid Response Team (University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Digital Commons, archived)

Learn to edit Wikipedia and help improve articles about invasive species. Join the National Agricultural Library’s National Invasive Species Information Center (NISIC) to learn more about invasive species, their impacts, and their control.

The event scheduled from 11am-3pm will begin with an introduction and information about the Information Center and invasive species from Joyce Bolton, head of NISIC, and other guest speakers. Then, Jamie Flood, Wikipedian-in-residence of National Agricultural Library and Ariel Cetrone of Wikimedia D.C. will lead a one-hour training on Wikipedia editing and we will spend the rest of the day updating invasive species articles on Wikipedia. During the event experienced editors will be on hand to assist and answer questions.

The Rocky Mountain Research Station (RMRS) Invasive Species Working Group is an internal multidisciplinary team with representatives across the Interior West.

Rocky Mountain Research Station personnel have scientific expertise in widely ranging disciplines and conduct multidisciplinary research on invasive species issues with emphasis in terrestrial and aquatic habitats throughout the Interior West, Great Plains, and related areas.

There are two basic approaches to limiting the spread of invasive species: a species-by-species assessment of the risks or benefits of admitting or excluding species, and a policy based on controlling pathways of entry in which vigilance is maintained on incoming ballast tanks, cargo holds, packing materials, and similar vehicles for unwanted organisms. These two approaches may complement each other. Policymakers also may emphasize prevention over post hoc control or vice-versa, or they may adopt a combination of the two approaches. Congressional Research Service Report R44011.

Congressional Research Service (CRS Report - R43258); prepared for Members and Committees of Congress.
See also: All Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports for other related invasive species reports.

A species of king crab, Paralomis birsteini, on the continental slope off the Antarctic Peninsula. The discovery of the shell-breaking crustaceans has scientists worried about the threat to seafloor organisms on the continental shelf.

Delivering results from President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. $480 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding has been announced and is headed to states, Tribes, territories and local governments. This is represented in over 60,000 projects that have been awarded funding. These projects range from repaving roads and water system upgrades funded through formula grants to states to competitive funding for massive bridge and transit projects.
See related resource: Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Overview for projects related to invasive species management

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is an opportunity for the Forest Service to demonstrate we can deliver on investments and provide significant benefits to the American public. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 provides the Forest Service funding and the authority to tackle the most pressing issues. The Forest Service can make critical investments to reduce wildfire risk, restore healthy, productive forests, and improve environmental, recreation and economic infrastructure. 
See also: Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: Research Projects - Invasives and Invasive Species Grants: Funded Projects

It's the Law -- If you are moving from a spongy moth quarantine area to a non-quarantine area, you must inspect your outdoor household items for the spongy moth and remove all life stages of this destructive insect before you move.
See also: Spongy Moth

See also: Ecological Risk Screening Summaries for more species summaries