About Us

Invasive species represent one of the most significant threats to ecosystems, human and animal health, infrastructure, the economy, and cultural resources. Alarmingly, the threat is growing. Climate change and the globalization of trade, travel, and transport are greatly increasing the number and type of spe¬cies moved around the world, as well as the rate of movement. Simultaneously, changes in land use and climate are rendering some habitats more susceptible to the establishment of non-native species and may amplify the adverse impacts of biological invasion. 

Although the challenge is substantial, it is not insurmountable. We can act now—decisively and strategically—to prevent and mitigate the adverse impacts of invasive species on our ecosystems, health, economies, cultural resources, infrastructure, and other assets. Our charge is to join together, and take action.

On February 3, 1999, Executive Order 13112 (updated in Executive Order 13751 on December 5, 2016) established the National Invasive Species Council (NISC or Council) to “provide national leadership regarding invasive species.” Council membership resides with the highest level Federal executives. The overarching duty of the Council is to provide the high-level vision and leadership necessary to sustain and expand Federal efforts to safeguard interests of the United States by preventing, eradicating, and controlling invasive species, as well as restoring ecosystems and other assets impacted by invasive species. NISC’s policy and planning activities benefit from the technical input provided by Federal agency staff and Federal inter-agency bodies working on invasive species issues, as well as non-Federal stakeholders.  

The Invasive Species Advisory Committee (ISAC) is a group of non-federal experts and stakeholders established to provide advice to the National Invasive Species Council on invasive species-related issues. ISAC members include representatives of state, territorial, tribal, and local governments, as well as academic institutions, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. ISAC members are appointed by the Secretary of the Interior with input from the other NISC members. ISAC advice and products can be found here.

The National Invasive Species Council (NISC) Secretariat provides the guidance and support necessary for the Council to undertake its duties. It serves as the primary point of contact for the Council, provides scientific and technical advice to NISC members, works to ensure effective communication and collaboration across Federal Departments/Agencies and among Federal inter-agency bodies, coordinates interdepartmental planning processes and project implementation, manages ISAC and its subcommittees, develops and coordinates implementation of the NISC Management Plan, oversees the NISC website, and reports on NISC accomplishments. The Secretariat is located within the Office of the Secretary at the U.S. Department of the Interior. Secretariat reports and other resources can be found here.

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