Invasive Plants Association of Wisconsin

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) has produced three new
state-specific booklets focused on invasive species!

Following closely on the heels of the recently published summary
reports "Invasive Species: Texas" and "Invasive Species: West
Virginia," UCS has released a new report entitled "Invasive Species:
Alaska." Together, these reports comprise an "invasion portfolio"
intended to serve as a handy, informative tool for scientists, resource
managers, and others to use in their work with the media, legislators,
opinion leaders, and the general public. These 16-page booklets will
increase awareness -- at the state and national levels -- of the invasive
species issue, and will also encourage sound and timely policy
solutions.

You may download copies of each of these reports at:
http://www.ucsusa.org/invasive_species/

** WHAT YOU'LL FIND
Our new series of invasion portfolios spotlights the environmental and
economic damage that invasive species cause in individual states. We
focus closely on a few states to make the damage tangible on a local
level, and to highlight concrete, responsible policy solutions for this
urgent environmental problem. Each report begins with an
introductory section on invasive species, the severity of the problem in
the United States, and how invasive species move or are moved
between ecosystems. The reports also contain state-specific
information on:

-numbers of non-native and invasive species, or other indicators of the
problem;
-the most significant pathways of introduction;
-economic impacts and the most severely affected sectors;
-environmental damage and what's at stake (landscapes, habitats,
species);
-examples of the most harmful organisms ("The Worst of the Worst");
and
-the public and private organizations that deal with the problem, with
suggestions for strengthening their work.

In addition, supplemental information on the National Aquatic
Invasive Species Act (NAISA) is available in a one-page, state-
specific document for Alaska, West Virginia and Texas each. The
document, which describes NAISA and the state-specific benefits this
Act provide as it is currently proposed, can be downloaded at:
http://www.ucsusa.org/global_environment/invasive_species/page.cfm?pageID=1113.

We also have printed copies of the Texas and Alaska reports
remaining. To obtain a paper copy or copies of "Invasive Species:
Texas" or "Invasive Species: Alaska", please let us know how many
you need, along with a brief note telling us how you plan to use them.
Send your request to ssi@ucsusa.org.

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THE SOUND SCIENCE INITIATIVE
This SSI Alert was prepared for and distributed to UCS' Sound
Science Initiative (SSI). SSI is an effective email-based vehicle for
scientists to familiarize themselves and the public with environmental
issues of global significance, with a special focus on climate change
and loss of biological diversity. SSI also provides the tools for
individuals to respond to and influence fast-breaking media and policy
developments.

Membership in SSI is open to professionals and graduate students in
the physical, natural, and social sciences. To learn more about or join
SSI, please visit our website at:
http://www.ucsusa.org/global_environment/invasive_species/page.cfm?pageID=1101,
or email us at ssi@ucsusa.org.

THE UNION OF CONCERNED SCIENTISTS
The Union of Concerned Scientists is a nonprofit partnership of
scientists and citizens combining rigorous scientific analysis,
innovative policy development, and effective citizen advocacy to
achieve practical environmental solutions. To learn more about UCS,
please visit us on the web at: http://www.ucsusa.org.