Invasive species management, Resilience and risk mitigation
Proactive Measures and Biosecurity in Alaska

States

Alaska

To limit the introduction and spread of invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.

Learn more about invasive species throughout remote parts of the state, we're facilitating early decision planning and improving biosecurity measures throughout Alaska. This involves the use of decision support tools such as habitat suitability models, horizon scanning, and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point analyses. Each tool helps to assess the risk and likelihood of where and how invasive species could be introduced or become established. Early decision planning tools also help prioritize prevention efforts and locations. In turn, biosecurity covers actions such as cleaning, inspecting, and sealing field project equipment and supplies before departing for remote, potentially non-infested, parts of Alaska. Practicing biosecurity for all field efforts is encouraged.

USFWS Biosecurity Video Series 

USFWS
USFWS
USFWS
USFWS
USFWS

Facilities

A pair of Horned Puffins with brightly colored yellow and red bills perches on a cliff near their nest. The cliff in the background is blurred.
Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge
The Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge stretches from the spectacular volcanic islands of the Aleutian chain to the Inside Passage, and north to the Chukchi Sea, providing essential habitat for marine mammals and some 40 million seabirds, representing more than 30 species.
National Wildlife Refuge
Homer,AK

News

Crowbill Point, covered in green and grey with grass and dirt, stretches into the blue waves of the Chukchi Sea.
These Boots are Cleaned for Hiking
Want to protect your favorite Refuge? Start by scrubbing your boots. Footwear is a dominant means of introduction for invasive plants, invertebrates, and pathogens because the treads can transport seeds, plant parts, soils, microscopic eggs, feces, and other biologically active material to new...
Story
Land Management

Contact

Programs

A bright blue sky obstructed by fluffy white clouds reflected off of a stream shot from inside a kayak
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages an unparalleled network of public lands and waters called the National Wildlife Refuge System. With more than 570 refuges spanning the country, this system protects iconic species and provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities on Earth.
Program
Washington,DC
A large, wet, furry brown rodent standing on grassy land next to a body of water
Invasive species are non-native plants, animals and other living organisms that thrive in areas where they don’t naturally live and cause (or are likely to cause) economic or environmental harm, or harm to human, animal or plant health. Invasive species degrade, change or displace native habitats,...
Program