Idaho aquatic nuisance species plan. A supplement to Idaho’s strategic action plan for invasive species

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In 2005, the Governor approved Idaho’s “Strategic Action Plan for Invasive Species,” prepared by the Idaho Invasive Species Council (IISC) as a statewide effort to limit the introduction and spread of invasive species. A special class of invasive species that deserve particular attention are the “aquatic nuisance species” (ANS). ANS are those plants and animals that depend upon aquatic and riparian ecosystems. Here, as is the case with all other invasive species, introductions and uncontrollable spreads wreak havoc with native fish and ecological communities as well as the importance our streams, rivers and lakes have for recreation, irrigation, and power generation. Idaho’s ANS plan has a clear goal: “Minimize the harmful ecological, economic, and social impact of ANS through prevention of introduction. If ANS are established, manage population growth and prevent dispersal, within, and from Idaho.” The ANS plan complements the current Idaho Strategic Action Plan for Invasive Species and is intended to help the state coordinate efforts and secure cooperative funding to prevent, eradicate, or control new introductions more effectively, before they cause major environmental and economic damage. Like the Idaho Strategic Action Plan for Invasive Species, the ANS plan recognizes that prevention is, in the long term, easier and less expensive than eradication and restoration. The plan is also based upon a thorough understanding of the types of ANS we might expect and the invasion pathways that might facilitate their entry and spread. Idaho’s ANS plan takes a streamlined view of categories of ANS and the threats that might be associated with each. There are two categories of ANS: those that are in the state now and whose further spread is undesirable, and those that are not here and which must be kept out. Granted, within those broad categories, there are individual species that pose greater risks than others. Therefore, assigning risks, based upon specific criteria, in each category for species helps guide rapid response actions. It is noteworthy that despite the development of the overall state strategic action plan and the ongoing actions of not only federal but state agencies, Idaho’s ANS plan currently identifies 21 gaps in those programs---gaps that need to be filled by completing 43 separate tasks if we are to fully prevent and control ANS in the state. These actions are summarized in the “Implementation Table,” which also includes the major resources needed, the lead entity, and a timetable for completing the individual tasks. One final component of the state’s ANS plan is a plan for early detection and rapid response (EDRR) to a new or spreading invasion of an unwanted species.

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ELECTRONIC FILE - Zoology: Multiple Species

SWAP (2/19/2016) citation:
[IISCTC] Idaho Invasive Species Council Technical Committee. 2007. Idaho aquatic nuisance species plan. A supplement to Idaho’s strategic action plan for invasive species. Boise (ID): Idaho Invasive Species Council Technical Committee. 60 p

Other information: Prepared for Governor C. L. Otter and the Idaho Invasive Species Council