The Jacksonville District also plays a significant role in the USACE Aquatic Plant Control Program. The district serves as the designated Aquatic Plant Control Operations Support Center, which provides guidance and direction to districts having invasive aquatic plant problems with the goal of the districts establishing aquatic plant control programs and establishing partnerships with others to share in the control of aquatic plant species on waters not managed by USACE.

“In addition, the escalation of invasive terrestrial plants and insects is becoming a significant problem in the U.S.,” said Toplisek. Information concerning the identification and treatment of terrestrial species can be found on websites from the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Geological Survey, and several state agricultural and natural resources agencies.

To address the escalation of invasive species problems, both terrestrial and aquatic, and to ensure there are policies to address the problems, USACE established a national Invasive Species Leadership Team in 2005.

The team is composed of specialists from all levels of USACE and is responsible for providing recommendations to headquarters to fulfill agency responsibilities in compliance with Executive Order 13112 (Feb. 3, 1999 – Invasive Species). The team continues to focus on providing strategic direction concerning cost-efficient control technologies, relevant and timely information concerning invasive species, coordinating team initiatives with the Environmental Communities of Practice and business lines, and providing direct ways to provide assistance to the field.

Also, in an effort to offer future invasive species assistance to project personnel, an Invasive Species Management Technical Center of Expertise (TCX) is being established in the Jacksonville District. The TCX will draw on the expertise of individual species experts, planning experts, management, and control experts from across USACE. The TCX will unite the invasive species community of practice and draw on its expertise to solve invasive problems across all business lines.

An important goal of the TCX will be to coordinate, standardize, and manage monitoring efforts for invasives nationwide. By establishing this baseline, the TCX will be able to assist districts in assessing the risk for new species and prioritizing rapid response efforts at USACE sites and with other federal agencies. Other key roles of the TCX will be to develop and integrate a national training program for invasive species; facilitate local and regional cooperation between USACE and other government entities; develop partnerships to leverage funding; and coordinate with public affairs offices to develop and implement public education and outreach program information.

“Regardless if you, as a manager, decide to get assistance or go it alone, you will need to know how to identify invasive species and avenues for how they could be transported and established on your project,” said Toplisek. “Early identification of invasives increases the chances they can be properly treated and controlled. Developing a program for rapid response with other projects within the same district and other federal and state agencies can minimize the spread and cost of dealing with invasives. Lastly, assess how your management of project lands and waters could possibly be contributing to the problem.”

This article first appeared in the 2011-2012 edition of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Building Strong®, Serving the Nation and the Armed Forces publication.