In February, President Clinton issued an executive order mobilizing federal agencies against invasive species, both plants and animals. Central to the order is the creation of an Invasive Species Council, which must issue a national "management plan" within 18 months of the order. I asked William Yancey Brown, science adviser to the secretary of the interior, how the council will function and what will be its priorities.

Q What role will trade groups and industry representatives play in the council's makeup?

A The council is a federal entity comprised of members from [the Departments of] Interior, Agriculture, Commerce, Treasury, Transportation, State, Defense and EPA. The Advisory Committee is the place for direct industry and trade group involvement. Remember, too, that the management plan will be developed in consultation with all stakeholders, including industry and trade representatives. The council will welcome active engagement by all.

Q Do you know which species will be targeted first, or what criteria the council will use to determine targeted species?

A The criteria are pretty much up in the air -- obviously, plants which have caused extensive harm in many other countries with habitats similar to ours would raise concern. We are planning to develop -- with public input all along --a screening system which will help to measurably reduce the rise of introduction and spread of invasive species. The process used should help target problematic pathways and the most invasive species. We're pragmatic -- concentrating on the worst actors will be our goal. Input on how best to set the criteria for predicting the worst actors will be welcome from all sectors and interests.

Q Will economic impact of the pest have a bearing on whether a species is targeted?

A Yes, clearly economic impact is a major concern. Some estimate the annual U.S. economic impacts at more than $100 billion. The executive order defines invasive species as 'alien species whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.' So, a major impact on natural areas -- melaleuca, for example, in the Everglades -- would also receive attention, as would a vector for dengue fever such as the Asian tiger mosquito in Hawaii or even here in the [Washington] D.C. metro area.

Q Realistically, how effective can the federal bureaucracy be in targeting these invasive species?

A Remember that the executive order charges the executive branch to use its relevant authorities and programs, where practicable and permitted by law, to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species, to detect and respond rapidly to and control populations of invasives, monitor populations accurately, provide for restoration of habitat conditions, conduct research and develop technologies for prevention and control, and promote public education on invasive species. That's a tall order -- it raises the bar for federal agencies to be innovative in the use of existing authorities and programs, or recommend new ones.

Citizens count on APHIS, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and others to guard against unlawful entry of pests, noxious weeds and wildlife injurious to our native ecosystems and production agriculture systems. Because interstate transportation and inter-jurisdictional fisheries are a problem for local state action, the role of the federal government can clearly help to reduce risks and curtail impacts from invasive species. And, since the problem is fundamentally international in scope, the federal government can again provide much-needed cooperation with foreign governments and scientists and land managers to share information on how best to prevent and control the spread of invasives.

We have extensive lands held in trust for all the people, and the health of these lands and water resources are clearly tied to federal progress in this arena. Partnerships are expanding; Congress is interested in our lands legacy as seldom before. Our children will be the judge. We expect not to disappoint them.

Q Do you know yet how plant introductions, especially those from abroad, might be handled by the council?

A It is too early to say anything definitive. Staff for the agencies involved with invasive species have already provided direction by considering the dangers posed by certain pathways -- raw logs, ballast water -- and the harm imposed by specific noxious weeds and injurious wildlife species. Your organization can play a useful role in communicating ideas to be considered for a fair and effective screening system.

The management plan, due in 18 months, will be the council's first cut at defining the resources and methods recommended for improving our nation's safeguarding system against invasive species. That's where you will see the screening system defined and described in depth.

Q Will existing species -- those in the trade -- be targeted?

A Again, the process to be developed will certainly consider species currently in trade to appraise economic, ecological and human health hazards based upon projections of the likelihood of introduction and spread. Species which do not demonstrate invasive, or harmful, effects will be given the green light for trade and other purposes.

Q With so many USDA Hardiness Zones, Heat Zones, rainfall areas, soil types and microclimates in this vast country, how can a proposed plant or animal introduction realistically be screened for invasiveness, since it might be contained in one area and spread wildly in another?

A This will be one of the major challenges facing scientists and managers who advise the federal agencies. Clearly, a light hand is in order when impacts are diffuse or highly localized and the best available information indicates little or no likelihood for serious damage in the foreseeable future. This is an area where the plant industry and others familiar with local conditions and experienced in control of invasives can really contribute to the management plan in a meaningful way. There may need to be regional differences in rules and regulations because of local variation. Remember again that these new efforts are intended to focus on the worst actors, not every creature or unique situation.

Q What judicial process will be used to enforce the screening?

A Current agency rules and regulations apply. If, after the council makes recommendations for change, Congress contemplates new authority, then perhaps new models will be considered.

Q How much reallocation of existing manpower and resources will be required to carry out the council's activities?

A The budget process involved Congress and the people. If awareness continues to increase and enough people who are impacted adversely by invasive species express their concerns to Congress, then budgets will change quickly. After 18 months, if the management plan outlines a convincing program, agencies may propose reallocating resources or seeking new resources. That will be a fundamental aspect of the management plan, and an important one for constituencies to consider seriously as they propose input. It is still early in the process.

Q To what extent might the council ask for cooperation or assistance from neighboring countries and Latin America?

A International cooperation is a cornerstone of invasive species policy. The council will develop recommendations and urge agencies to expand existing channels of communications and collaboration. Clearly, keeping our neighbors informed and involved will help us clarify our goals and help improve our efforts to stem the flow of highly invasive species to our parks, farms and forests.

© 1999 Branch-Smith Publishing