Combat Invasive Species

The nation’s lands and waters are under attack. Alien invasive species are infesting our natural communities, farmlands, forests, wetlands, waterways, pastures, and coastlines, displacing native plants and animals, disrupting ecological processes, and permanently changing natural landscapes. These non-native species enter new habitats via every vector imaginable — from hitching rides on ships and planes to the purposeful importation of an apparently desirable food source or garden species. In addition, as the onset of climate change begins to warm water and air temperatures, invasive species will find it easier to move from one habitat to the next.

ELI seeks to improve invasive species prevention, control, and eradication worldwide by promoting and strengthening local, state, national, and international legal authorities that directly address invasive species and by harmonizing legal and management authorities that affect the environments that are vulnerable to impairment by exotic species invasions. ELI researches and disseminates best practices and new models for legislation and management to prevent habitat impairment and injury from invasive species. Alien species invade every type of ecosystem, present challenges at every level of governance, and affect virtually every sector of society. To address the full range of this complex issue, ELI:

• Assists state and local governments with the development and establishment of sound invasive species (prevention/control/eradication) laws, policies, and institutions;
• Identifies opportunities at the local, state, regional, and national level for effective implementation of invasive species policies; and
• Identifies and removes legal obstacles to the detection, control, management, and eradication of invasive species.