2.4.3. Adapting Early Detection and Rapid Response Activities 
EDRR refers to efforts that identify and control or eradicate new infestations before they 
reach severe levels. Because even the most effective barriers to entry will at some point be 
breached, EDRR is an important element in preventing and controlling invasive species 
problems. In addition to surveying and/or mapping to detect infestations, EDRR efforts may 
include emergency powers for state agencies to implement control measures quickly and 
restoration to decrease vulnerability to re-establishment of the invading species. Comprehensive 
EDRR plans identify participating and lead agencies, potential regulatory requirements for 
control, and other EDRR protocols. 
The effectiveness of EDRR efforts may be improved by monitoring both for the 
establishment of new infestations as well as for changing conditions in order to better predict 
which systems may become vulnerable to invasion. To address the potential effects of climate 
change, continued and new monitoring will be necessary to update information systems with data 
that allow evaluation of those effects (Lee et al., 2008). Adapting monitoring may mean 
sampling at different temporal or spatial frequencies, or using different sampling techniques 
(Hellmann et al., 2008). For example, monitoring to detect range changes may require sampling 
the distributional and altitudinal edges of species ranges. 
2.4.4. Adapting Control and Management Activities 
Control and management measures vary widely among states and depend on the species 
being targeted, the infested ecosystem, availability of resources, and severity of the infestation, 
among other factors. Control techniques may be biological, chemical, manual, or mechanical, or 
a combination thereof. EDRR is an important element of an overall invasive species control 
strategy (see Section 2.4.3. Adapting EDRR Activities). 
Changing conditions, such as warmer waters, extreme weather events, salt water 
intrusion, and/or changes in water chemistry, may affect the success of “tried and true” 
biological, chemical, or mechanical control measures. To guard against ineffective control 
measures, managers must be aware of the conditions under which an introduced biocontrol 
species may fail—or conditions under which they may thrive beyond control—and cross- 
reference those parameters with projected changes in the ecosystem. Changes in temperature 
and precipitation may affect biocontrol and invasive species differently, either increasing or 
decreasing the effectiveness of the biocontrol agent (van Asch and Visser, 2007; Stireman et al., 
2005; Bryant et al., 2002). For example, salt cedar leaf beetles (Diorhabda elongate ) may be 
less effective at controlling tamarisk ( Tamarix ramosissima) in warmer temperatures, while the 
alligatorweed flea beetle ( Agasicles hygrophild) may become more effective in controlling 
alligatorweed {Alternanthera philoxeroides ). Similarly, herbicides and other chemical control 
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