Secretary Kempthorne (center), joined by Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer (right), and Commerce Undersecretary/ NOAA Administrator Vice Admiral Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr., USN (Ret.), at a Friday event announcing the new National Invasive Species Management Plan and the new members of the Invasive Species Advisory Committee. Hi-Res

Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne convened the National Invasive Species Council (NISC) at which he oversaw the adoption of the new 2008-2012 National Invasive Species Management Plan developed collaboratively by 13 federal departments and agencies and their partners.

"The plan we adopt today will be the federal government's primary 'road map' for federal efforts to prevent and control invasive species over the next five years," Secretary Kempthorne said. "Its significance cannot be overstated because invasive species cause great damage to the nation's environment, economy and human health-harming fisheries, forests, croplands and natural areas; impairing recreation; and endangering public health through threats like West Nile virus."

Federal expenditures on invasive species are estimated to exceed $1.3 billion annually. The 2008-2012 Plan replaces the 2001 Plan and is the culmination of an extensive planning process that involved the federal departments and agencies, expert review, and public comment.

At the meeting Secretary Kempthorne also announced the names of the new members of the nonfederal Invasive Species Advisory Council. more 

• New National Invasive Species Management Plan
• New Members of the Invasive Species Advisory Committee
• Additional Photos