Invasive Species
The worldwide movement of non-native organisms damages the environment and endangers native species, undermining decades of conservation efforts. Because federally regulated international trade is the source of most invaders, we must reverse some U.S. policies and improve others.
Features
The Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act
The Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act (H.R. 669) would provide the Department of Interior with the necessary legal tools to better prevent further introduction of potentially and already harmful non-native wildlife. It would fundamentally change federal policy to better protect the nation.
An Action Plan on Invasive Species for President Obama and the 111th Congress
The impacts of invasive species go well beyond a local site or a single state. Countless expert reports from public and private groups have brought attention to these impacts and called for federal action to address invasive species problems. To date, progress has been woefully inadequate. However, there are opportunities to act.
Invasive Species in Ohio: Pathways, Policies, and Costs
A new UCS report finds that invasive species such as the emerald ash borer and zebra mussel already are causing significant damage in the state of Ohio. While the total cost of these non-native species is currently estimated at hundreds of millions of dollars a year, preventive legislation could significantly limit their economic and environmental impact.
Successes
Recent successes in Invasive Species include:
- Stregthening protection for our nation's waters through the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2008
- Lessening threats forest species through our fireword transport pledge
- Helping to ban the import of three Asian carp—one of which threatens freshwater mussels
Analysis
Invasive Species in Ohio: Pathways, Policies, and Costs
A new UCS report finds that invasive species such as the emerald ash borer and zebra mussel already are causing significant damage in the state of Ohio. While the total cost of these non-native species is currently estimated at hundreds of millions of dollars a year, preventive legislation could significantly limit their economic and environmental impact.
Invasive Species: Alaksa (pdf)
Norway rats, northern pike, Atlantic salmon, the amber-marked birch leaf miner, and Japanese knotweed are among the invaders damaging Alaska's native plants, animals, and industries.
Invasive Species: Texas (pdf)
More than 122 non-native species—from imported red fire ants to hydrilla to beaver-like rodents called nutria—are wreaking havoc on Texas's croplands, native plants and animals, and the state's resource-based economy.
Invasive Species: West Viriginia (pdf)
Gypsy moths, zebra mussels, weeds like Japanese stilt grass and purple loosestrife, forest diseases similar to the chestnut blight, and at least 1,000 other non-native species are established in West Virginia.
Campaigns
Urge your Representative to Cosponsor the Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act
The Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act would fundamentally change federal policy to better protect the nation from the increasing economic, environmental, and wildlife and human health threats posed by animal imports.
Take the pledge - Don't transport firewood
Since these forest pests survive inside wood where you can’t see them, they can be transported long distances by accident. Help protect America’s forests with this simple action
Resources
National Environmental Coalition on Invasive Species
The National Environmental Coalition on Invasive Species (NECIS) is made up of fifteen national and regional conservation groups–including the Union of Concerned Scientists–that promote sound state, federal, and international policy. The group seeks to prevent harmful non-native, or invasive, species from being introduced, becoming established, and spreading in the United States and other nations.
The Continental Dialogue on non-native Forest Insects and Diseases
This partnership cultivates and catalyzes collaborative action among diverse interests to abate the threat to North American forests from non-native insects and diseases. UCS is a steering committee member of the Continental Dialogue.
