News

The US Fish and Wildlife Service is making a $2.96 million investment for six projects that support eradication of invasive species in terrestrial or aquatic habitats throughout the country.

The projects address a variety of invasive species including plants, rodents and other species that damage ecosystems in Alaska, California, Hawaii, the US Virgin Islands, Washington and other areas nationwide.

US Fish and Wildlife Service director Martha Williams explained: “President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides an opportunity for us to invest in eradication efforts that protect our lands and waters.

“Completing this work is important because eradicating invasive species can result in substantial ecological and economic benefits to communities.”

The Department of the Interior is working with partners to identify, enhance and collaborate on invasive species eradication activities, build new tools and support coordinated processes to eradicate existing populations of invasive species that are harming the nation’s land, waters and wildlife. 

The six projects were selected from 76 applications seeking more than $34 million in funding and demonstrate on-the-ground efforts that eradicate an invasive species and advance research that increases the effectiveness and near-term availability of eradication tools.

Invasive species pose a significant threat to the ecological, economic and cultural integrity of America’s lands and waters and the communities they support.

The geographic ranges of a number of invasive species are expanding due to climate change , and science shows invasive species are one of the biggest causes of biodiversity loss.

Once established, invasive species can outcompete or even lead to the extinction of native species, reducing biodiversity and increasing vulnerability to disease and other environmental stresses. They can also lead to costly damage to infrastructure, such as roads, canals and levees.