Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program: Nebraska
Education, Research and Technical Assistance for Managing Our Natural Resources

The Nebraska Invasive Species Program continues to administer a multi-institutional program to:

1. Provide outreach to and facilitate communication among stakeholders regarding biological invasions, coordinate the Nebraska Invasive Species Council, and assist as needed with any additional legislation regarding invasive species;

2. Develop management tools including an invasive species adaptive management plan, a risk analysis for high-risk invasive species in Nebraska, a multi-agency prevention protocol for preventing the spread of invasive species (terrestrial and aquatic), and identification of invasive species introduction pathways.

The Nebraska Invasive Species Program coordinated meetings of the Nebraska Invasive Species Advisory Council (Council), which was created by a law in 2012. This Council has 32 members and evaluates invasive species issues and develops watch lists and management plans. It acts as an advisory council to the Nebraska Legislature and Governor on invasive species issues. The Council created a 2-sided outreach card in 2020 and updated its adaptive management in 2021.

The Nebraska Invasive Species Program (Program) coordinated with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service when moss balls were found with zebra mussels attached during March 2021 in Nebraska. The Program website has a reporting tool; new infestations of zebra mussels and other invasive species have been confirmed following reports by concerned citizens. Reports are referred to an appropriate invasive species expert for investigation and guidance.

The Program Coordinator serves on regional invasive species panels and organizations to coordinate invasive species efforts across state lines, and was elected to the North American Invasive Species Management Association during 2021. The Program Coordinator attended and presented at invasive species conferences, workshops and meetings with local and regional groups. The Program coordinated with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to conduct invasive species webinars and disseminate technical-assistance materials. The Program provided technical assistance to a variety of agencies and organizations during 2020 and 2021 to increase early detection and management of invasive species.