Department of Transportation Policy on Invasive Species

Background

Transportation systems facilitate the spread of species outside their natural range, both domestically and internationally. Of particular concern are those species that are likely to harm the environment, human health or economy.

In response to this concern, the Clinton Administration has mounted a national effort. On February 3, 1999, President Clinton issued Executive Order 13112, which calls for Executive Branch agencies to work to prevent the introduction and control the spread of invasive species and eliminate or minimize their associated economic, ecological and human health impacts.

The Department of Transportation’s (DOT) efforts to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species (a) are in keeping with the Department’s strategic goals, which include both ensuring transportation safety and the protection and enhancement of the natural environment affected by transportation, (b) are in accord with its statutory mandate to protect against aquatic invasive species, (c) reflect Departmental participation on interagency committees, such as the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force, the Federal Interagency Committee for Management of Noxious and Exotic Weeds, the Native Plants Conservation Initiative, the Interagency Ecosystem Management Task Force, and the Interagency Working Group on Endangered Species, and (d) reflect compliance with the Presidential Memorandum on Environmentally and Economically Beneficial Practices on Federal Landscaped Grounds.

Policy

Under the E.O., State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) have new opportunities to address roadside vegetation management issues on both their construction activities and maintenance programs. Through new levels of cooperation and communication with other agencies and conservation organizations at all levels, the highway program offer a coordinated response against the introduction and spread of invasive species.

The E.O. builds on the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, the Federal Noxious Weed Act of 1974, and the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to prevent the introduction of invasive species, provide for their control, and take measures to minimize economic, ecological, and human health impacts. In response to the proactive policy of the Office of the Secretary of Transportation and the E.O., the FHWA offers the following guidance:

Use of Federal Funds:

The Department’s policy is to fully participate in Administration efforts to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species by:

(a) pursuing appropriate authorities and funding for implementation;

(b) participating on interagency committees;

(c) analyzing invasive species’ effects in accordance with Section 2 of Executive Order 13112;

(d) increasing coordinated research;

(e) implementing, at DOT facilities and DOT-funded facilities, the Presidential memorandum on beneficial landscaping;

(f) coordinating with international organizations, such as the International Maritime Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and the International Organization for Standardization on cooperative efforts;

(g) training agency personnel and informing the public;

(h) coordinating with other federal agencies and with state, local and tribal governments; and

(i) encouraging innovative designs for transportation equipment and systems.