Wildlife Forever and the Clean Drain Dry Initiative™ endorse the new Invasive Species Strategic Plan recently released from the Department of the Interior (DOI).
The DOI manages much of our nation’s federal natural resources, providing public access to millions of acres of land and water. For more than 60 years, the DOI has been actively engaged in managing invasive species in places such as national parks, national wildlife refuges, fish hatcheries and other public lands.
In 2020, Wildlife Forever signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the agency and other stakeholders to enhance the coordination and implementation of invasive species prevention activities across the landscape. The agreement aims to increase awareness and educate the public with national prevention campaigns such as the Clean Drain Dry Initiative™, PlayCleanGo®, and Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers.
The DOI Invasive Species Strategic Plan was developed pursuant to the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (Public Law 116-9). The plan identifies the following goals to advance invasive species prevention and management:
- Collaborate across Interior and with others to optimize operations through leveraging partnerships, joint educational efforts, and shared funding.
- Cost-effectively prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species into and within the United States.
- Implement early detection and rapid response efforts in coordination with other Federal agencies, States, Tribes, Territories, and other partners to reduce potential damage and costs from new infestations becoming established.
- Cost-effectively control or eradicate established invasive species populations to reduce impacts and help restore ecosystems.
- Improve invasive species data management for decision-making at all levels of government.
“I’m hopeful the new Biden Administration will see the tremendous impacts invasive species have on our lands, waters and economy. I look forward to this strategic plan becoming a unifying framework to increase prevention partnerships across all federal lands,” commented Pat Conzemius, President and CEO of Wildlife Forever.
To view the strategic plan, visit: https://www.doi.gov/ppa/doi-invasive-species-strategic-plan
The Clean Drain Dry Initiative™ is the national campaign to educate outdoor recreational users on how to prevent the spread of invasive species. Strategic communications, marketing, outreach and educational services provide access to consistent messaging, and resources for local communities to implementing prevention programs. To learn about services, contact Dane Huinker at DHuinker@Wildlifeforever.org or visit www.CleanDrainDry.org.
