National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) is an international event to raise awareness about invasive species, the threat that they pose, and what can be done to prevent their spread. Representatives from local, state, federal, and regional organizations discuss legislation, policies, funding, and improvements that can be made to prevent and manage invasive species. From February 20-26, 2023, invasive species experts will come together in Washington, D.C. and virtually across North America to inform and educate officials about prevention and management priorities. Partners around the country host local events to advocate to elected officials, decision makers, and the public on how they can help to stop the spread of invasive species and protect our precious resources.
NISAW’s official proclamation is worth a read:
WHEREAS, invasive aquatic, riparian, and terrestrial species influence the productivity, value, and management of a broad range of land and water resources in (insert location here); and
WHEREAS, the costs to prevent, monitor, and control invasive species combined with the costs to crop damage, fisheries, forests, and other resources cost the U.S. $120 billion annually; and
WHEREAS, after habitat destruction, invasive species are the second greatest threat to biodiversity; and
WHEREAS, invasive species threaten the survival of native plants and animals, and interfere with ecosystem functions by changing processes such as fire, nutrient flow, and flooding; and
WHEREAS, invasive species are a significant threat to almost half of all native species currently listed as federally endangered; and
WHEREAS, invasive species impair infrastructure and impede transportation, water delivery systems, and energy production; and
WHEREAS, invasive species impede industry, threaten agriculture, obstruct outdoor recreation, endanger human health, and are becoming increasingly harder to control as a result of rapid global commercialization and human travel.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that February 20-26, 2023 is declared to be National Invasive Species Awareness Week and hereby encourage residents to participate in National Invasive Species Awareness Week to promote knowledge and understanding of the threats posed by invasive species.
