Introduction

Invasive Species Defined

What's Being Done

 National Invasive Species Information Center

Submodule 7: The Price We Pay -- Economic Impacts

Resource Allocation to Fight Invasive Species

There are many people involved in deciding how much money goes to manage invasive species. With most of the funding coming from public sources, government officials at the federal, state, county and other local entities have a substantial voice in how this problem is handled. To make wise choices they need good, state-of-the-art information and collaborative efforts to maximize our potential for preventing dangerous, costly invasions. For this reason, several agencies responsible for management of invasive species have created detailed management plans.

Financial resources to fight invasive species go to support research, regulation, operations, partnerships, technical and financial assistance, and education. Many of these topics are interdependent…let’s look at them and some of their relationships in more detail:

Research – Well-designed, effective research can be very expensive, and this can certainly hold true for research on invasive species. Many government agencies make funding available for research, depending on their area of expertise and responsibility. Private sources of funding also exist, although they are usually more limited. Currently important areas of research include:

 

• Organism biology, such as reproduction and explaining previous instances of invasiveness
• Success with different methods of control
• How to effectively allocate resources (including personnel, money, and equipment) for fighting invasive species
• Ecological effects of specific invasive species
• Breeding for resistance
• Biological control

 

Regulation – For the most part, government agencies are responsible for shaping policy regarding invasive species. These policy-makers need a good, thorough understanding of the problem, because to be effective, regulations must be based on sound research and experience. U.S. policy decisions regarding invasive species are often guided by organizations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and agreements such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA); each of these entities has its own rules to determine cost-benefits analyses of trade regulations and how this relates to invasive species. Thus, these regulations largely determine how funding, personnel, and other resources are ultimately allocated. Federal, state, and local agencies then use these resources to fulfill the requirements set by policymakers. In addition, international agreements are put in place to coordinate efforts around the world.

 

Operations – A large share of the resources for managing invasive species go to perform management procedures such as:

 

• Inspections and Surveillance
• Control and management of invasions
• Monitoring
• Restoration
• Personnel training

 

Partnerships – Collaboration between and among agencies is essential since invasive species go across political boundaries. Successfully and effectively controlling invasions requires many different types of knowledge expertise skill sets. In most cases it is essential for the success of invasive species management to have vital partnerships with the same goal. Collaboration often improves the efficiency of management, which is critical as resources become more scarce.

 

Technical and financial assistance – Technical assistance on, for example, how to conduct cost-benefit analyses, proper use of pesticides or management of a particular pathogen is essential for effective use of scarce resources. Many agencies have produced manuals with instructions based on sound research. Prioritizing pest management strategies and identifying correct timing and level of control to maximize benefits is essential. Also important is to know when to abandon prevention tactics and switch to control tactics.

 

Education – Education plays a key role in all aspects of invasive species management. Researchers must be trained. Policymakers must be informed of research findings and how this relates to existing infestations and invasive species management activities. Personnel at all levels must be taught management applications. Government officials need to be made aware of collaborations and partnerships between and among agencies involved in invasive species management, and when management activities overlap. Perhaps most important, the public needs to be educated about the importance of managing invasive species and of supporting funding at all levels.