Prevention

The primary goal of any invasive species program is to prevent the pest from reaching and establishing in a new area. Prevention is accomplished in several ways:

border inspections: inspecting goods before they pass between jurisdictions
best practices: developing and implementing practical best practices for industries that might be involved in a pathway for invasive species introduction (Ex: vegetation mowing protocols for weeds near roadways)
limiting or encouraging limits on movement of goods/pathways: regulatory statutes such as quarantines that legally limit or prevent the movement of goods into or out of an area or social programs that encourage people to do their part to help prevent the spread of invasive species (Ex: don’t move firewood, don’t move a mussel)

Detection

Early detection and rapid response (EDRR) is both a specific program and a general strategy for invasive species detection and response. Second only to prevention as an invasive species strategy, EDRR programs seek to:

Detect invaders before they have a chance to establish in a new area and
Assess and respond to the detection rapidly to prevent spread and minimize the amount of damage done

Most EDRR programs rely on active trapping or scouting for invasive species. Several trapping programs occur throughout Alaska for terrestrial and aquatic invasive species. Forest pests commonly trapped for as a part of EDRR programs include defoliating moths, bark beetles, and wood borers. Trapping programs allow managers to “look” for several invasive species at the same time in various locations throughout the state. For more information about Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) see this writeup.

Citizen scientists can also play an important role as first detectors in the early detection of invasive species. Not all pests can be trapped for in all areas so reports from the public and natural resource professionals are important avenues for early detection of potential invasive species. Several detections of invasive species have been the result of reports from concerned landowners.

Eradication

Eradicating invasive species can be a viable option if the species is detected quickly and has not spread very far, though it still may take several years and several control strategies to complete. In some instances the costs and benefits of eradication need to be weighed very heavily as it is not always practical or possible.

The invasion curve shows at what stage an invasive species is likely to be able to be eradicated and how the size of the infestation and the cost of control increase over time. Figure from www.indiana.edu/~preserve/invasiveSpread/. Adapted from Hobbs and Humphries 1995.

Management

If eradication is not possible, or eradication efforts have not been successful and the pest has spread outside of a manageable area, other management options need to be considered. Efforts to contain the pest and slow its spread to neighboring areas should be initiated. Other management options might look at long-term strategies that minimize the impact from the invasive species such as biological control agents, or practices that make the area a less favorable habitat.

Public outreach

Public outreach is a critical tool in any invasive species program. Outreach programs function at every level from prevention to management. Numerous outreach and education campaigns to raise awareness about invasive species have been launched in recent years resulting in a much more informed and engaged public.