Invaders in the Commonwealth: Pennsylvania Invasive Species
Management Plan

The Pennsylvania Invasive Species Management Plan is a framework for response that will aid in minimizing the harmful ecological, economic, and human health impacts of nonnative invasive species through the prevention and management of their introduction, expansion, and dispersal into, within, and from Pennsylvania. This framework represents the Pennsylvania Invasive Species Council’s ongoing efforts to outline responsibilities, standardized actions, and communication for managing current invasive species infestations and for responding when a new invasive species is identified within the Commonwealth. The Pennsylvania Invasive Species Council recommends that the Commonwealth work with all relevant stakeholders to accomplish the following goals:

Preliminary Risk Assessments:
Utilize preliminary risk assessments to prioritize nonnative invasive species management and expedite response at the first indication of a new or likely introduction.

Prevention:
Identify, evaluate, and address pathways used by nonnative invasive species in order to minimize their introduction and spread into and throughout the Commonwealth.

Early Detection and Rapid Response:
Detect new introductions of nonnative invasive species and control or contain target species before they can become permanently established in the Commonwealth or move into areas in which they previously did not exist.

Control:
Prioritize nonnative invasive species on which to focus control and antidispersal efforts, and, when feasible, control established invasive species that have significant impacts in Pennsylvania.

Restoration:
Integrate restoration efforts whenever feasible into control and management activities as well as other activities which may disturb ecosystems and facilitate colonization by nonnative invasive species.

Survey and Monitoring:
Expand survey and monitoring efforts of nonnative invasive species in Pennsylvania.

Data Management:
Develop a statewide invasive species database clearinghouse or information sharing system linking data from various state, federal, and non- governmental entities.

Research:
Support research efforts on nonnative invasive species issues and impacts in Pennsylvania and work with partners to facilitate the dissemination of data and information generated from these efforts.

Key Personnel:
Identify key personnel needed to coordinate nonnative invasive species issues among local, state, and federal agencies and organizations.

Education and Outreach:
Educate the general public and key target audiences about nonnative invasive species issues so that they do not facilitate the introduction and spread of invasive species through their activities.

Communication and Coordination:
Facilitate communication and coordination across jurisdictional boundaries to ensure that state policy effectively promotes the prevention, early detection, and control of invasive species in Pennsylvania.

Funding:
Work with the Governor’s office, legislature, partners, industry, and federal entities to identify permanent funding sources for nonnative invasive species programs in the Commonwealth.