New Invasivespeciesinfo.gov Navigation Helps Fight Invaders

Feb 1, 2006
National Agricultural Library
Joyce Bolton
http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov

BELTSVILLE, MD, February 1, 2006--The National Invasive Species Information Center (NISIC) at the National Agricultural Library (NAL) has launched a redesigned Web site making it easier to find information about invasive species.

Invasive species are harmful non-native species, and a serious and costly national problem, often with personal impact. For example, the Emerald Ash Borer--a wood boring insect that targets ash and other trees--was first detected in Michigan in 2002; it now covers 5,600 square miles from Michigan to Virginia, plus Canada. In some cases homeowners have been asked to remove infected trees at their own considerable cost.

The costs to prevent, eradicate, or control invasive species are high and fall on all levels of society. Finding solutions to the invasive species problem depend on access to reliable information. Invasivespeciesinfo.gov is a convenient Web gateway to more than 13,000 science-backed information resources.

The design of the new site allows better cross-referencing of information across the site, meaning that customers can more quickly find the information they need. Users of the redesigned site can browse for information by invasive species type – aquatic species, plants, animals and microbes--or by other topics, such as economic impacts, laws and regulations, management, or news and events. The Web site features links to images, fact sheets, management plans, and an extensive list of agencies and organizations with interest in preventing, controlling, or eradicating invasive species.

Species profiles are core to the Web site; more than 80 profiles are currently available, with new profiles added every year. All types of invasive species are profiled, including the northern snakehead fish, cane toad, brown tree snake, fire ants, nutria, West Nile Virus, water hyacinth, and kudzu. Profiles link to information about the scientific name, distribution, life cycle, introduction, and fact sheets, frequently asked questions, management plans and more.

NISIC is one of eight information centers at NAL, supported by the Agricultural Research Service, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s chief scientific research agency. NISIC was established in 2005 at the National Agricultural Library to meet the information needs of users, including the National Invasive Species Council (Council). The Council was established by Executive Order 13112 in 1999. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is a member of the Council.

The redesign of the NISIC Web site implements USDA Web standards and meets U.S. Office of Management and Budget guidelines for focusing on customer needs.

For more information about NISIC, contact: Joyce Bolton, National Invasive Species Information Center, National Agricultural Library, (E-mail , 301-504-6454)