DOI Announces Framework to Safeguard Nation’s Lands & Waters from Invasive Species

On February 18th, the U.S. Department of Interior released a report on using early detection and rapid responseUSDOI (EDRR) actions to stop the spread of invasive species.

The report, Safeguarding America’s Lands and Waters from Invasive Species: A National Framework for Early Detection and Rapid Response was called for by the White House Council on Climate Preparedness and Resilience as part of their priority agenda to enhance the climate resilience of America’s natural resources.  It calls on the National Invasive Species Council (NISC) to take the lead on this effort, and enumerates a set of recommendations for federal action.  In addition to building on existing initiatives, the report calls for the implementation of 5 specific recommendations:

  1. Establishing a multi-stakeholder EDRR Task Force
  2. Convening high-level decision makers to assess funding mechanisms for a nation-wide preparedness and emergency response initiative
  3. Advancing pilot projects targeted for high priority areas
  4. Scaling partnerships across government and with private, non-profit, and scientific communities
  5. Fostering the development and application of innovative scientific and technical approaches to EDRR

NECIS supports the use of EDRR actions to control the spread of invasive species in the United States. Establishing a framework for rapid response and early detection is important for avoiding the ecological harm, economic cost, and danger to human health invasives can bring.  Climate change can accelerate the spread and establishment of harmful invasive organisms, and as such require a more diligent and proactive defense against them.  EDRR is one such defense.

The full DoI press release can be found here: https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/interior-department-announces-framework-safeguard-nation%E2%80%99s-lands-and-waters-invasive

 

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