Preventing the introduction of additional invasive species and controlling the spread of those already introduced is an important focus of the Department as it is also one of the most effective strategies to protect our nation's wildlife and habitats.The Department contributes to the work of the National Invasive Species Council and the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force, and has been working for many years on educational outreach programs aimed at preventing additional introductions and controlling the spread of invasive species.Įxotic Invasive Animals in National Parks Invasive species are now recognized as a worldwide problem affecting natural and cultural resources, food-producing systems, agricultural commodities such as timber, and human health- all of which are ecological services for local and national communities. Our natural landscapes are already under many pressures, including climate change and habitat fragmentation, issues that are also among the primary factors leading to the decline of native fish and wildlife populations in the United States-one of the most significant natural resource management challenges facing the Department of the Interior (Department). The United States is continuing to see an increasing number of exotic species, potentially invasive species, crossing our borders through various pathways.Given the global nature of our economy and transportation systems, we expect this trend to continue.These species are changing the landscapes of our iconic national parks and refuges. These species have the ability to displace and imperil native species, alter entire ecosystems and fire regimes, and damage critical infrastructure.On a global scale, they can disrupt waterfowl and neo-tropical migratory bird flight patterns and nesting habitats, and result in loss of productivity to private landowners. It is critical to understand that what we are discussing here today is an assault on our nation's wildlife, from the birds we watch to the wildlife-related activities that support small towns and communities across this country.Įxecutive Order 13112, issued in 1999, defines an invasive species as " an alien species whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health."Invasive species include all taxa, ranging from microscopic disease-carrying organisms such as bacteria and viruses, to snakes, fish, quagga and zebra mussels, nutria and feral swine, to salt cedar, leafy spurge, Eurasian water milfoil and giant salvinia.
My testimony will focus on three main areas: threats posed by exotic invasive animal species in national parks, steps being taken to monitor and control these species, and statutory and regulatory tools and recommendations to implement a more proactive approach to addressing invasive species. We appreciate the subcommittees' interest and support of efforts to address the issue of invasive species.
REGARDING THE PREVENTION OF INVASIVE ANIMAL SPECIESĬhairman Grijalva, Chairwoman Bordallo, and members of the subcommittees, thank you for this opportunity to testify on behalf of the Department of the Interior on the impacts of non-native animal species on our nation's resources.I am joined here today by Craig Martin, Chief, Branch of Aquatic Invasive Species, U.S.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON NATIONAL PARKS, FORESTS, AND PUBLIC LANDSĪND SUBCOMMITTEE ON INSULAR AFFAIRS, OCEANS, AND WILDLIFE NATURAL RESOURCE STEWARDSHIP AND SCIENCE,īEFORE THE HOUSE NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE,
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