Resource Search

This policy resolution addresses the management of forest and rangelands in coordination with federal agencies and addresses issues including wildland fire, invasive spaces, and collaborative efforts.

WGA resolutions are in effect for three years and then expire or are renewed. See all current WGA Policy Resolutions.

Special Note: RiversEdge West formerly known as the Tamarisk Coalition, change effective Mar 1, 2018.

The arid and semiarid Great Basin of the western United States comprises parts of California, Nevada, Utah, Idaho, and Oregon and can variously be described by its hydrology, topography, or biology. Biologically, the area has been defined historically by the native sagebrush and shrubs that thrive in the dry valleys of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Mountains. But, as a recent study undertaken by researchers at the University of Montana and the Department of Agriculture notes, these native plant communities are rapidly being colonized by nonnative annual grasses like cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), red brome (B. rubens), and medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae) to the detriment of wildlife and humans.

See also: WGA's 'Top 50 Invasive Species in the West' offers first regional report for more information

The Administration announced a new interagency conservation agreement to protect western water supplies, power generation, outdoor recreation and aquatic ecosystems by strengthening efforts to combat invasive mussels.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) among the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, and six Department of the Interior bureaus focuses on boosting federal coordination, communication and collaboration to enhance the capacity of federal, state and tribal agencies to rapidly respond to discoveries of invasive mussels in western states.

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 recommendations developed by WGA and invasive species data experts.

High-quality information is an essential weapon in the fight against invasive species in the West. Land managers, conservation groups, industry, and private landowners need accurate, current regional invasive species occurrence data. Technological barriers and standardization issues, however, often prevent wide sharing of useful invasive species occurrence data.

See also:

• LISTEN: Out West podcast highlights the importance and complexities of data collection for invasive species (Jun 4, 2021)
• LISTEN: Learn the importance of invasive species data to conservation districts in Our West podcast (Feb 17, 2021)

See also: Weeds in Natural Areas for more information sheets

See also: Weeds in Natural Areas for more information sheets

See also: Weeds in Natural Areas for more information sheets

See also: Weeds in Natural Areas for more information sheets

See also: Weeds in Natural Areas for more information sheets

See also: Weeds in Natural Areas for more information sheets

See also: Weeds in Natural Areas for more information sheets

See also: Weeds in Natural Areas for more information sheets

See also: Weeds in Natural Areas for more information sheets

See also: Weeds in Natural Areas for more information sheets

See also: Weeds in Natural Areas for more information sheets

See also: Weeds in Natural Areas for more information sheets

See also: Weeds in Natural Areas for more information sheets

See also: Weeds in Natural Areas for more information sheets