Because invasive species encompass plants, animals, and microbes, the  problems they cause vary. Federal Rapid Response to Invasive Species That Threaten Natural Areas Has Been Minimal

Invasive species that threaten agricultural crops or livestock are far more  likely to elicit a rapid response than those affecting mainly natural areas. The  need to deal with invasive species was succinctly summarized by a Bureau  of Land Management official, who said “you can pay now or later, but you  will eventually pay sometime.”

	Lack of a National System Is a Major Obstacle to Rapid Response

A major obstacle to rapid response is that there is no national system that  addresses all types of invasive species infestations—those affecting aquatic  areas, rangelands, and forests as well as crops and livestock. Other obstacles that we identified in this report include the need  for (1) additional detection systems; (2) improved partnerships among  federal, state, and local agencies; and (3) enhanced technologies for  eradicating invasive species. It recommends that by July 2003, the Council develop a program of  coordinated rapid response to new invasions of natural and agricultural  areas and pursue increases in discretionary efforts to support the  program. We believe that if the recommendations are properly implemented, they  will go a long way toward developing a systematic national approach  toward rapid response. Management Plan’s Recommendations on Rapid Response

The Invasive Species Council’s management plan contains three  recommendations that specifically address rapid response.
What GAO Found

Invasive species--harmful, nonnative plants, animals, and microorganisms--are widespread throughout the United States, causing billions of dollars of damage annually to crops, rangelands, and waterways. An important part of pest control is quick action to eradicate or contain a potentially damaging invasive species. Federal rapid response to invasive species varies: species that threaten agricultural crops or livestock are far more likely to elicit a rapid response than those primarily affecting forestry or other natural areas, including rangelands and water areas. A major obstacle to rapid response is the lack of a national system to address invasive species. Other obstacles to rapid response include the need for additional detection systems to identify new species; improved partnerships among federal, state, and local agencies; and better technologies to eradicate invasive species. The Invasive Species Council's Management Plan makes several recommendations for improving rapid response, including developing a program of coordinated rapid response and pursuing increases in discretionary spending to support the program. A concerted effort to improve the rapid response is clearly needed. If properly implemented, the Council's recommendations will go a long way toward developing a national system to address this pressing need.