In order to combat invasive species, former Governor Ed Rendell, in 2004 established the Governor’s Invasive Species Council. The Council is chaired by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, and individuals representing numerous organizations, local government, environmental advocacy, and other industries serve on the Council.
The Council provides a forum for members to meet with a common purpose of identifying invasive species of concern that currently or could potentially threaten this Commonwealth’s natural and agricultural resources and the industries they support. The Council advises the Governor about threats, direct the development and implementation of a State invasive species management plan, provide guidance on prevention, control and rapid response initiatives, and facilitate coordination among Federal, regional, State and local efforts, and other duties.
Pennsylvania Sea Grant is a member of Council and works with many partners in the water and on the land to identify, survey, and control invasive species. Outreach specialists also provide training for resource managers on invasive species identification and remediation, develop educational tools and resources for a variety of audiences, and host in person and virtual events, workshops, and presentations.