National Invasive Species Information Center (NISIC): gateway to invasive species information; covering Federal, State, local, and international sources.

Current Invasive Species News:

Biocontrol Insect Exacerbates Invasive Weed: Introduced flies create complex interactions that increase impact of invasive plants (Sep 3, 2008)
Ecological Society of America.
Biocontrol agents, such as insects, are often released outside of their native ranges to control invasive plants, such as spotted knapweed. But scientists in Montana have found that through complex community interactions among deer mice, native plants and seeds, the presence of an introduced fly may exacerbate the effects of the invasive plant it was meant to control.

Fish Pesticide May Control Unwanted Round Goby (Sep 2, 2008)
U.S. Department of the Interior.
Scientists have discovered that certain chemicals may be useful in slowing the spread of the round goby, an invasive fish species that is threatening parts of the Great Lakes and Mississippi River. When released near the bottom of a river or lake, two fish pesticides are effective in controlling this bottom-dwelling invader, particularly where dissolved oxygen is low, while leaving native species unharmed.

Species Profile -- Cogongrass
USDA. NAL. National Invasive Species Information Center.
Cogongrass is an invasive weed from Asia that spreads quickly and disrupts ecosystems, reduces wildlife habitat and can decrease tree seedling growth and establishment. Cogongrass is considered one of the 10 worst invasive plant species in the world and is listed as a federal noxious weed. Congongrass is believed to have invaded more than one million acres in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Georgia, and Texas.

Species Profile -- Light Brown Apple Moth
USDA. NAL. National Invasive Species Information Center.
The light brown apple moth, native to Eastern Australia, was first sighted in California near Berkeley in 2007. State agriculture officials believe it could have a potentially devastating impact upon California agriculture. It has a potential host range of more than 2,000 plant species, including crop plants such as grapes and citrus fruit, and trees such as redwoods and oaks.

Biologist Getting Rid of Sea Lamprey (Aug 11, 2008)
Fox17 News. Michigan.
Monday, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service put chemicals into the water near the Croton Dam to kill sea lampreys which are dangerous to the health of the entire Great Lakes region. These chemicals could ensure years of good fishing by killing off the sea lamprey.

How Are Sea Lampreys Controlled?
Great Lakes Fishery Commission.

Secretary Kempthorne, Secretary Schafer and Other Leaders Adopt National Plan to Combat Invasive Species (Aug 1, 2008)
Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne convened the National Invasive Species Council (NISC) on Friday, Aug 1, to oversee the adoption of the new 2008-2012 National Invasive Species Management Plan (PDF | 255 KB). The plan was developed collaboratively with 13 federal departments and agencies and their partners. Federal expenditures on invasive species are estimated to exceed $1.3 billion annually. The plan is the culmination of an extensive process of expert review, and public comment.

Don't Move Firewood - Protect the Nations Forests
USDA. FS. Northeastern Area. Forest Health Protection.
Buy and use your firewood locally. Don’t take it with you and don’t bring any back.
Do you want to protect trees? Then, don't move firewood. Moving firewood can spread invasive, tree-killing diseases and insect pests like the Asian longhorned beetle and the Emerald Ash Borer.

Don't Move Firewood

What Campers Need to Know (PDF | 96 KB)
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

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Interactive Learning Module
Why are invasives a problem?