Whats wrong with the way we previously managed invasive species?
In 1997, 500 scientists and resource managers wrote to the Vice President: “We are losing the war against invasive exotic species, and their economic impacts are soaring. We simply cannot allow this unacceptable degredation of our Nation’s public and agriculture lands to continue.” The management of invasive species falls under a myriad of statutes and regulations administered by a variety of agencies on the international, federal, state, and local levels. Laws are often passed to address specific crises (such as zebra mussels) and pathways of introduction of the species (such as ballast water). Policy studies have found that as a result, there are often significant gaps and overlaps in state and federal laws and regulations. The Oregon Invasive Species Council fosters agency cooperation and encourages a comprehensive approach to meet the unique challenge of invasive species management.
