Invasive species prevention and management is a non-partisan issue that impacts all Americans. Good governance around invasive species policy is necessary, for biological invasions impact our entire way of life in agriculture, conservation, environmental protection, forestry, natural resources, outdoor recreation, tourism, and water.

Since 1994, NAISMA has been supporting invasive species managers and growing programs that connect state, provincial, regional and federal invasive species organizations. Our Legislative Committee is responsible for being alert for and making the NAISMA Board of Directors and members aware of legislative issues pertaining to invasive species. This committee can:

• construct responses to national and international invasive species policy issues as they arise.
• write position papers.
• meet with other groups working on regional, national, or international policy issues that can have an impact on invasive species management.

Find all NAISMA policy resources on the Government Relations page.

NAISMA’s Involvement with U.S. Invasive Species Congressional Efforts

This year, NAISMA strengthened its relationships with national invasive species congressional efforts, including:

• NAISMA has joined and is now a member of the National Environmental Coalition on Invasive Species (NECIS). Founded in 2003, NECIS is a coalition of environmental organizations and professional societies focused on promoting scientifically sound policies that prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species in the United States.

• NAISMA is continuing to coordinate with the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Invasive Species Caucus. Congressional members founded the caucus in 2013 to raise awareness about invasive species issues, support local communities who are bearing the brunt of this problem, and promote efforts to prevent and control the spread of invasive species. The Caucus provides opportunities for Members of Congress to meet with other policy makers, organizations and industry leaders who work to prevent the spread of invasive species.

NAISMA’s Responses to Invasive Species Policy Issues During the 117th Congress

NAISMA advocates across all governmental regulatory agencies for increased capacity for invasive species programs, along with the development of standards and indicators to measure the impacts of invasive species. Accomplishments throughout the 117th Congress include:

• NAISMA sent a letter to the Congressional Appropriations Committees leadership, staff, and the Caucus Co-Chairs. The letter recommends budget allocations for invasive species among federal agencies.
• NAISMA signed onto the Wyoming-led letter urging the BLM to permit the use of Indaziflam.
• NAISMA joined The Entomological Society of America in a letter supporting H.B. 1389: The Invasive Species Prevention and Forest Restoration Act
• NAISMA signed onto a letter with over 350 non-academic organizations, led by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, to support the request for $11.5 billion in agricultural research infrastructure. The letter was submitted to House and Senate Agriculture Committee leadership.
• NAISMA submitted a letter to APHIS in support of biocontrol of Chinese tallow trees. The letter was drafted by the Biocontrol Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. 
• NAISMA is sending a letter urging the White House Council on Environmental Quality to promptly approve the Department of the Interior’s request for five categorical exclusions under the National Environmental Policy Act for invasive species control. 
• NAISMA is submitting a letter in support of S.B. 626: Lacey Act Amendments of 2021.
• NAISMA signed onto a letter opposing the Protect America’s Children from Toxic Pesticides Act.

Next Steps: New Legislative Subcommittees and Governance Policy

In order to focus attention on three major policy considerations, the legislative committee has formed subcommittees on The Farm Bill, The Infrastructure Bill, and Climate Change, in addition to planning National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) 2022. We are currently accepting members on these subcommittees. Contact Elizabeth Brown at  if you wish to participate.

Additionally, NAISMA has put in place a formal framework that enables us to be productive in taking action on invasive species policy issues and moving on advocating for invasive species managers. This is a member-driven process that empowers the committee to evaluate issues brought forth by members and partners, and to recommend action to the Board of Directors for approval. The committee meets monthly on the first Wednesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. Central time. Meetings include issue evaluation on the regular agenda. This new process enables the association to take action and respond to legislative or policy issues that arise year-round. It also enables NAISMA to contribute to open comment periods in the federal register.

NAISMA is a network of professionals who implement management programs to prevent the detrimental impacts of invasive species to North America’s lands and waters. NAISMA’s mission is to support, promote, and empower invasive species prevention and management in North America. We have members in all 50 states, as well as in Canada and Mexico.

Support NAISMA Government Relations efforts and National Invasive Species Awareness week by making a donation.