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Initiatives

Invasive Plants

USDA, APHIS, PPQ’s Center for Plant Health Science and Technology began staffing scientists in 1997 for what was to become the newly created Plant Epidemiology and Risk Analysis Laboratory (PERAL). One of the first recognized priorities of scientists working within PERAL was to partner with professional societies to produce pest lists. PERAL entered into a cooperative agreement with the Weed Science Society of America to create a three-year project to better address noxious weed issues. Read more

Success Stories

The following success stories are from the Invasive Weed Awareness Coalition (IWAC) and the National Invasive Weed Awareness Week (NIWAW)

Useful Resources on Invasive Species

Invasive Plant Publications and Reports

  • WSSA PRESS RELEASE – BIOFUEL CROPS: PANACEA OR PANDORA’S BOX?
    It’s a Cinderella story. Weeds, scorned and trod on for years and persistently excluded from the manicured gardens and uniform crops of respectable horticultural and agricultural society are fast becoming the darlings of a burgeoning biofuel industry. But not all fairytales have a happy ending.
  • WSSA WHITE PAPER – BIOFUELS AND INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES
    A variety of plant species from a range of taxa, including crops and wild plants, are being considered for use as biofuels. It is important to consider not only the economic and social benefits of these species, but the potential risks associated with their introduction and propagation.
  • WSSA PEER-REVIEWED JOURNAL – INVASIVE PLANT SCIENCE AND MANAGEMENT
    Invasive Plant Science and Management focuses on fundamental and applied research on invasive plant biology, ecology, management, and restoration of invaded non-crop areas, as well as on educational, sociopolitical, and technological aspects of invasive plant management.
  • E-LEARNING-ENGAGING VOLUNTEERS AND THE PUBLIC IN INVASIVE PLANT ISSUES
    The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Center for Invasive Plant Management announce a new e-learning website aimed at engaging volunteers and the public in invasive plant issues and management. Designed for National Wildlife Refuge volunteers and Friends groups, the website provides science-based, introductory information that is suitable for anyone interested in learning about invasive plants. The five self-study modules address the purpose and history of the Refuge System, how volunteers help in invasive plant management, how refuges manage invasive plants, and tips for community outreach. Each module contains a quiz and web-based resources that enable learners to explore topics more thoroughly. The website is part of a larger program carried out by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in conjunction with partners, such as the National Wildlife Refuge Association, to engage volunteers in managing invasive species on National Wildlife Refuges. This program includes competitive grants and training in how to map invasive plant infestations using hand-held computers and GPS devices.
  • INVASIVE SPECIES COMPENDIUM
    Detailed coverage of invasive species threatening livelihoods and the environment worldwide
    The ISC is a constantly developing encyclopaedic resource containing:
    – Datasheets on over 1500 invasive species and animal diseases
    – Basic datasheets on further species, countries, habitats and pathways
    – Bibliographic database of over 75,000 records (updated weekly)
    – Full text documents (updated weekly)