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The Invasive Species Data Mobilization Campaign of the Western Governors’ Association seeks to encourage national, state, and local land managers, private landowners, and non-governmental organizations to enter previously unavailable data into new or existing invasive species data management platforms using Findings and Recommendations (May 15, 2018) [PDF, 244 KB] developed by WGA and invasive species data experts. WGA and the North American Invasive Species Management Association launched the campaign in December 2020 with a webinar featured representatives from the four existing data platforms -- EDDMapS, iMapInvasives, BISON (see note below), and USGS NAS -- discussing the importance of invasive species data standardization and sharing.
Note: GBIF-US was formerly hosted at BISON.USGS.gov. The BISON website was taken down on December 17, 2021 and users are redirected to www.gbif.us.

The term native species refers to plants and animals that live in a particular area purely by reason of naturally occurring phenomenon. These organisms have not been influenced by any type of human behavior or intervention.

Pollinators need a diverse, abundant food source and a place to build their nests and rear their young. If we keep these two elements in mind we can encourage native bee populations.

If a fire ant colony is flooded during a rainstorm or other high-water situation, the ants cling together and form a living raft that floats on the flood waters. Once the raft hits dry ground or a tree, rock, or other dry object, the ants can leave the water.

Footage Shows Massive Colonies of Fire Ants Floating in Hurricane Florence Floodwaters (Sep 18, 2018)
AOL News.
Floodwaters will not drown fire ants. In the wake of Hurricane Florence, victims in the storm's path are being warned to avoid wading through dangerous floodwaters (in addition to other reasons and threats).

You can help with efforts to control invasive species by reporting occurrences of invasive species. The information provided can help you know what information to report and which method of reporting to choose.

See also: Publications for more diseases

Moving firewood can transport exotic insects & diseases that pose a serious threat to our forests. Don't transport firewood -- BURN IT WHERE YOU BUY IT!

Learn about some of the common species of wasps, bees and other non-wasp species, such as hover flies and robber flies, that superficially resemble the Asian giant hornet.

The Mississippi River Delta is home to the world’s largest contiguous swath of Phragmites australis, or more commonly known as the common reed. But the plant that can grow to nearly 20 ft. and has been a critical component in stabilizing the state’s coastal erosion is not actually native to Louisiana—well, not entirely. There are multiple P. australis genotypes. P. australis subspecies (ssp.) americanus is the native subspecies in the U.S. and Canada. However, Phragmites australis ssp. australis originated in central Europe and was subsequently introduced to the U.S. where it is now considered to be one of the most problematic invasive species in North America. "Novel genome characteristics contribute to the invasiveness of Phragmites australis (common reed)" in Molecular Ecology and recently featured in an edition of The Scientist, LSU researchers collaborated with Tulane University and the U.S. Geological Survey to study the genomic bases of P. australis and to investigate what exactly makes the invasive reed grass subspecies thrive in wetlands, in comparison to its native counterpart.

Most conservation professionals know what the “Lacey Act” is. Or do you? Since 1900, the “Lacey Act” has been the most widely known conservation law in the United States. It protects native wildlife and plants from trafficking and supports State conservation laws. And you may be surprised that it also protects against the importation of invasive or injurious species. But did you know that there was no law named “the Lacey Act”? Hence, there is a lot of confusion over what the “Lacey Act” is and isn’t. This webinar, presented by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Injurious Wildlife Listing Coordinator, aims to clear that up. By summarizing the history from 1900, you will see how the two provisions diverged. That will segue into showing how the lesser known provision of the law is effective at preventing harmful wildlife species from being imported and causing invasions.
See also: Explore other webinars related to wildlife conservation sponsored by the The Wildlife Society