The Department of the Interior (DOI or Department) is revising its Invasive Species Strategic Plan (plan). As part of this revision, the Department seeks perspectives and input on priorities related to invasive species management.
Background
The Department released its inaugural invasive species strategic plan in January 2021, pursuant to the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act. This five-year plan was informed by extensive engagement with federally recognized Indian Tribes, Alaska Native Corporations, the Native Hawaiian Community, States, County governments, territories, federal agencies, and others. This February, the Department announced an Accomplishments Report describing progress implementing the plan in collaboration with federal and non-federal entities. We anticipate using the 2021-2025 DOI Invasive Species Strategic Plan as the foundation for the next plan.
As we begin revising the plan, we are holding virtual listening sessions so that we can understand current and emerging invasive species priorities and issues that are important to Tribal communities. The Department aims to post the draft revised plan in the Federal Register this fall for review.
Invasive Species Issues and Key Questions for Input
Non-native invasive plants, animals, and pathogens such as invasive carps, zebra mussels, feral swine, Burmese python, cheatgrass, and whitenose syndrome in bats--cause a wide variety of economic and environmental problems. Cooperation is critical to successfully prevent, eradicate, and control invasive species. Expertise and perspectives that we hope to gain during the listening sessions include, but are not limited to the following topics:
- New and emerging invasive species issues of greatest concern to protect valued economic, natural, and cultural resources;
- Opportunities to address invasive species at a meaningful scale to achieve effective outcomes;
- lnterjurisdictional efforts needed to prevent, detect, eradicate, and control invasive species; and
- Specific areas of interest to emphasize in the revised plan.
Additionally, please consider sharing input on one or more of the following questions. Comments should focus on issues and actions that are within DOI's mission and authorities to address.
- In reviewing the mission, vision, goals, objectives, and strategies in the 2021-2025 DOI Invasive Species Strategic Plan (linked above), which components continue to serve your jurisdiction or community, and which should be updated, clarified, or re-prioritized?
- Based on the accomplishments highlighted in the recent Accomplishments Report (linked above), which approaches or initiatives demonstrated the most meaningful outcomes for you? What challenges, gaps, or unintended barriers remain?
- DOI has placed strong emphasis on early detection and rapid response (EDRR) in recent years (i.e., proactively detecting invasive species early and rapidly responding to eliminate them before they establish, spread, and cause costly harm). What specific resources (e.g., capabilities, protocols, data systems, partnership arrangements) would most strengthen EDRR across your jurisdiction or community? What barriers (e.g., operational, regulatory, technical, cross-jurisdictional, or other) keep EDRR from happening?
- Similar to EDRR, prevention activities and eradication and control efforts remain core components of DOI's approach to invasive species management. What specific strategies would most strengthen prevention activities and eradication and control efforts across your jurisdiction or community that are within DOI's mission and authorities to address?
- What emerging invasive species threats, pathways, or management needs have become more urgent since 2021 when the original plan was released-and how should these shape new or elevated priorities in the upcoming plan?
- How can DOI improve coordination and co-production (the co-development and co-implementation of shared strategies) with your jurisdiction or community based on your experience with our implementation of the original plan?
- During the next five years, where would DOI partnership be the most beneficial ( e.g., coordination, permitting/compliance efficiency, technical tools, training, data infrastructure)?
- What additional recommendations-large or small-should DOI consider so that the revised plan is responsive, actionable, and aligned with the realities and priorities of your jurisdiction or community?
Invitation
Consultation Materials
- DOI Accomplishments Report 2021-2025 (3.5 MB)
Sessions
Comment Deadline
DOI is accepting written comments until 5 :00 p.m. ET, July 31, 2026. You may submit comments via email to invasivespecies@ios.doi.gov (please include "Comments: DOI Invasive Species Strategic Plan Revision" in the subject line of the email) or mail to the U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Policy Analysis-Mailstop 3530, ATTN: Invasive Species Comments, 1849 C Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20240.
