Resource Search

Research offers evidence that the economic costs associated with invasive species is in large part determined by the response time between arrival of a pest and the beginning of eradication or control efforts.

Citation: Alvarez, S. and D. Solís. 2018. "Rapid Response Lowers Eradication Costs of Invasive Species: Evidence from Florida." Choices. Quarter 4.

The Rapid Response Plan for Management and Control of the Chinese Mitten Crab is intended to guide efforts to mitigate the further introduction and spread of the Chinese mitten crab in the northeastern United States and Canada. Due to the unique challenges of invasive species introductions to marine and coastal ecosystems, the mitten crab and other existing and potential marine invasive species are more difficult and often more costly to manage or control than freshwater aquatic or terrestrial invasive species. This document focuses on the use of early detection and rapid response as a tool to prevent the introduction and spread of Chinese mitten crabs and other crabs belonging to the genus Eriocheir throughout northeastern United States and Atlantic Canada. The primary goal of this plan is to provide information needed to support local, state, and regional efforts to prevent and control the spread of Chinese mitten crabs throughout northeastern United States and Atlantic Canada. For more information on the development of this plan, see Early Detection and Rapid Response Plan for the Invasive Chinese Mitten Crab.

Research led by Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change (RISCC) team members Eve Beaury and Emily Fusco evaluates the current landscape of invasive plant regulations across U.S.states. We've got a lot of room for improvement - especially in addressing the need to prohibit range-shifting invasive plants before they arrive. As plants continue to move north driven by climate change, the number of invasives will only increase. Unfortunately, inconsistent regulations that vary from state to state means that invasive plants have an edge on our attempts to control them. However, new research from the University of Massachusetts Amherst recently published in the Journal of Applied Ecology (requires login 🔒) suggests that we already have an answer in hand – communication.

READI-Net is a network of robotic environmental DNA samplers to enhance the early detection of aquatic biological threats.

See also: Small Flock for more resources

Inspection and decontamination refers to the process of checking all parts of a boat to ensure that it is not carrying any invasive species and appropriately cleaning a boat if it is. This category examines how the relevant management agency implements watercraft inspection and decontamination programs throughout their jurisdiction.
See also: Recreational Boating AIS Prevention Programs for more information.

Invasive aquatic species are known to be one of the biggest drivers of biodiversity loss, and their management especially in marine environments is incredibly challenging. To tackle this issue, the GloFouling Partnerships, led by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and in collaboration with the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA), World Sailing, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), has published a new Biofouling Management for Recreational Boating Report [PDF, 13.4 MB]. The aim of the report is to stop the spread of invasive aquatic species which can adhere to hulls and other areas of recreational craft by addressing how to manage biofouling.

Do you hike? Boat? Or camp? Check out these fact sheets for tips to reduce the chance of spreading invasives when you recreate on DCNR lands and in your own backyard.

The Reduce Invasive Pet and Plant Escapes (RIPPLE) program offers information to aquarium and water gardener professionals, retailers and hobbyists about what to do with unwanted plants and animals so they are not introduced into Michigan's lakes and streams.

The U.S. Forest Service has developed a number of Regional documents for invasive species management for the Southwestern Region (Region 3). Region 3 covers national forests and grasslands in Arizona and New Mexico along with national grasslands in western Oklahoma and the Texas panhandle.Region 3 covers national forests and grasslands in Arizona and New Mexico along with national grasslands in western Oklahoma and the Texas panhandle.

See also: NISC Other Publications

Climate change is likely to bring dozens of new invasive plants to the Northeast. Despite their invasive tendencies, many of these species are sold as ornamental plants in slightly warmer climates, but are not yet a large part of nursery sales in the Northeast. By avoiding these species, we protect our native ecosystems from future invasive species impacts. We also present alternative native plants that provide similar aesthetics while also supporting biodiversity.
See also: Environmental Conversation Education Materials for additional educational materials (2011 to present)

Provides planting recommendations for present and future conditions using native species adapted to both current and future hardiness zones. An estimated 80% of ornamental plants for sale are non-native. This means that the average yard does a poor job of supporting native flora and fauna. By shifting our plantings towards natives, we can dramatically increase the diversity of bees, butterflies, birds and other animals. In contrast, non-native plants do not support local food webs and can become invasive. Native plants increase biodiversity and reduce risks associated with invasive species, which supports resilient ecosystems in the face of climate change.
See also: Environmental Conversation Education Materials for additional educational materials (2011 to present)