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)
- AK- Ousting Orange Hawkweed in Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge
- AZ- Taking back the Grand Canyon from Tamarisk (Saltcedar) Infestation
- CA- Eliminating Jubata grass from sheer cliffs at Point Reyes National Seashore
- CA- Recovery of Least Bell’s Vireo after suppression of Giant Reed in California
- CO- Public-Private Partnership Hunts Houndstongue in Colorado
- HI- Combatting the Invasion of Miconia in the Nanawale Forest Reserve
- IL- Heading Kudzu off at the pass in Illinois
- MA- After many attempts Crystal Lake is healthy again
- ME- Maine Officials work to control the first Hydrilla occurrence in state
- ME- Saving Acadia National Park from Purple Loosestrife Infestation
- MI- Volunteers take back Ann Arbor City Parks from Garlic Mustard infestations
- MT- Trouncing Tansy Ragwort in Flathead Valley
- ND- Protecting a rare beauty
- ND- Theodore Roosevelt National Park Battles Invaders
- NE- An integrated approach helps battle leafy spurge in Nebraska Rangelands
- NE- Creating a waterfowl haven on Nebraska’s Platte River
- NH- Little Hands take on a big job
- NM- Taming Tamarisk in New Mexico
- NV- Invasive weeds threaten rare toad and a small town’s economy
- NV- Research aims to save desert tortoise habitat from non-native grasses and wildfire
- NY- Restoring a rarity in New York state
- OR- Oregon work crews camp out to control Houndstongue
- SC- Pulling together resources to help nesting Sea Turtles succeed
- SC- Restoring a nesting habitat for an endangered bird
- UT- Cheating fire with chemical control in Utah
- WA- Mother nature unveils invasive weed in Capitol Lake
- WY- A cooperative weed management area saves the Shoshone River Watershed from Dalmation Toadflax
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)