Introduction Photo © University of Idaho Archives, University of Idaho, www.invasive.org
The Threat Of Invasive Species Photo © Robert L. Johnson, Cornell University, www.invasive.org
Key Findings Photo © Eric Coombs, Oregan Department of Agriculture, www.invasive.org
Recommendations Photo © Kenneth R. Law, USDA APHIS PPQ, www.invasive.org
Conclusions Photo © Joe Hinson 2003

Invasive Species
Management In Idaho

The full report [2.6 MB] is available in format.

Invasive species — those nonnative plant, animal and microbial organisms that cause widespread economic and environmental damage—are becoming a major issue, not only in Idaho but across the country. Hundreds of nonnative organisms from around the globe have reached Idaho through trade, travel, intentional introduction, and dispersal from neighboring states. Free from the natural competitors, predators, and parasites that keep them in check in their native range, invasive species reproduce rapidly. They invade agricultural lands and waterways and displace desirable plants and animals. Invasive species are truly a form of biological pollution.

In the fall of 2003, Idaho’s Invasive Species Council published a full report titled An Assessment of Invasive Species Management in Idaho. This Executive Summary highlights the main points from the full report. It describes the threat invasive species pose to Idaho’s economy and environment and examines state and federal efforts to prevent and manage invasive species. In addition, this summary highlights effective points and deficiencies of some current programs and lists eight recommendations the State of Idaho could take to meet the threat of invasive species.

Idaho has taken a first step toward a coordinated and effective statewide invasive species program by creating the Idaho Invasive Species Council, named by Governor Kempthorne in 2001. The sponsors of this Assessment—The Nature Conservancy and the Idaho Department of Agriculture—intend for it to be a source of information for the Council and a springboard for further actions to ensure that the Council can effectively carry out its mission. Additionally, the Assessment will help to inform policy makers and various stakeholders about the threats posed by invasive species and what must be done to minimize those threats.