Phase One: Southeast Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change Management Network (SE RISCC)

Climate change is expected to worsen the harmful effects of invasive species on native wildlife. This presents a growing conservation challenge for invasive species managers in the southeastern United States where thousands of invasive species exist. While many of these invasive species currently have relatively small ranges in the southeastern U.S., climate change may allow them to expand into new regions. To effectively plan and respond to the redistribution of invasive species, it is crucial to coordinate existing information and identify future information needs across regional boundaries. 

The ultimate goal of this project is to improve invasive species management in the face of climate change by establishing a working group of scientists, land managers, federal and state agencies, tribal agencies, and policy makers who manage invasive species across freshwater, marine, and terrestrial systems. 

Through multiple workshops, the working group will identify information needs for invasive species management and develop strategies to address these needs via information sharing and research, including the development of educational materials and public reports. This working group is a critical first step towards establishing a network to coordinate the management of invasive species and their future spread under climate change.