Report to Congress:

Obstacles Hinder Federal Rapid Response to Growing Threat

A Report to Congress by the United States General Accounting Office (GAO), July 2001

Results in Brief:

Federal rapid response to invasive species varies. Species that threaten agricultural crops or livestock elicit a faster response than those affecting forestry, rangelands, aquatic areas, or natural areas. Because many agencies do not have responsibility or mission for rapid response, the report suggests that a coordinated approach nationwide is needed to ensure that invasive species get a level of attention commensurate with their risks. The National Invasive Species Council (NISC) agreed with the GAO in its national management plan, concluding that rapid response would be treated as an area requiring priority attention. The GAO asked the Council to clearly define the activity of rapid response, determine what agency funds are already allotted to the activity and then specify a price tag for future congressional action.

The GAO report recommends that the co-chairs of the National Invasive Species Council (the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, and the Interior) direct the Council to:

1. Develop criteria for what constitutes rapid response,
2. Based on those criteria, develop current funding levels used,
3. With the NISC Advisory Committee, establish priority actions and research needs.

Major Obstacles:

Over 20 federal agencies have responsibility for some aspect of invasive species management. Invasive species are not specifically identified in the missions of many agencies. Within Agriculture and Interior, who have these missions, many priorities compete for scarce resources. The major obstacle to rapid response is the lack of a national system to address invasive species. (Note "Time for a National Center?" on page 7.) Other obstacles include:

1. Federal agency funding and authorities vary.
2. Federal response to invasives that threaten natural areas has been minimal.
3. APHIS does the most rapid response, focusing on crops and livestock.
4. Invasives that threaten natural areas get less funds than crops and livestock.
5. Where rapid response has not occurred, costly consequences follow.
6. Additional detection systems are needed for earlier identification.
7. Stronger federal, state, and local partnerships can help.
8. Enhance techonogies and additional research are needed.
9. Rapid response depends on the centrality of invasive species to an Agency's mission.

The Invasive Species Council's management plan, issued in January of 2001 provides a broad plan of action with 57 recommendations. Three are specific to rapid response. Some recommendations lack specifics; however, we should note that as a nation we have not faced an issue like this before. We are pioneering and need to find solutions sooner rather than later. To read the national management plan and determine how to build your own State management plan, visit www.invasivespecies.com. This site will link you to many other resources on this costly issue.