The Department of the Interior has released a report detailing progress over the past five years in efforts to prevent, detect, and control invasive species on public lands and waters across the United States.
According to the report, these efforts have involved coordination with state governments, tribal nations, territories, local communities, and other federal agencies. The goal is to reduce the spread of invasive plants and animals that can harm ecosystems, damage infrastructure, and affect economic activity.
“Protecting America’s lands and waters from invasive species is a matter of national security and economic strength,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “Building on a strategy launched in President Trump’s first term, Interior is cutting red tape and getting results with partners across the country.”
Among the reported achievements are increased prevention measures at borders and recreational areas; use of new detection technologies such as drone surveys and environmental DNA testing; and rapid response operations that have stopped new infestations. The department also highlighted large-scale projects aimed at controlling invasive plants in western states, conservation actions for forest birds in Hawaii, and development of tools to manage problematic species like pythons, rodents, mussels, and carps.
The Interior Department reported that hundreds of thousands of acres affected by invasive plants have been brought under control. There have also been advances in sharing data and improving decision-making tools used by land managers nationwide.
During President Trump’s administration, federal agencies were directed to strengthen protections for the Great Lakes against invasive species. This included steps to prevent invasive carp from entering the region through improved coordination among agencies, targeted barriers and monitoring systems, as well as increased collaboration with state governments and tribal nations.
The Department says it plans to continue working with its partners to build on these results in order to protect communities and natural resources from ongoing threats posed by invasive species.
