The Strategic Invasive Species Prioritization and Planning Program - Fall

Advisor: Adrian Hill

Team Members: Joan Coker, Julia DeVito , Lauren Harper, Janna Herndon, Patrick Iler, Devika Kaul, Risalat Khan, Sarangadev Krishnan, Mingjun Li, Julie Manoharan, Ilana Rubin, Kelsey Wooddell 

Invasive species pose a major threat to U.S. ecosystems, biodiversity, agriculture, and infrastructure, causing billions of dollars in damages annually and contributing to the decline of native species. The Wildlife Innovation and Longevity Driver Act strengthens federal capacity to address invasive species by requiring federal agencies managing public lands and waters to implement coordinated invasive species management strategies. Effective invasive species control is often hindered by fragmented governance, inconsistent prioritization, and limited interagency coordination. The proposed program establishes a unified strategic framework to prioritize invasive species management efforts based on ecological risk, economic impacts, and feasibility of control.

The program design introduces standardized prioritization tools, performance metrics, and reporting systems to improve efficiency and accountability across federal agencies. Enhancing interagency coordination and information sharing improves early detection, rapid response, and long-term control strategies, reducing ecological and economic damage. Strategic allocation of funding and personnel improves cost-effectiveness by targeting species and ecosystems where intervention yields the greatest benefits. Performance monitoring ensures adaptive management and continuous improvement of invasive species programs. Strengthening coordination across federal agencies enhances the nation’s capacity to protect biodiversity, maintain ecosystem stability, and reduce long-term management costs associated with invasive species proliferation.

Learn more about the MPA-ESP Workshop in Applied Earth Systems Management.