AIS range expansions 
• Identification of species that are more likely to establish under changing conditions and 
modification of management priorities, accordingly 
• Prediction and assessment of conditions that may lead to invasion (e.g., warmer 
temperatures, disturbed ecosystems and native species, increased nutrient availability, 
modified precipitation regimes, and erratic weather patterns) 
• Overwintering capabilities for invasive species 
• Increased propagule pressure and vectors 
• Increased growth rates 
• Unanticipated interactions between climate change and invasive species 
• Effects of climate change on the success of control efforts 
• Effects on ecosystem services from increased invasions (e.g., water supply, recreation, 
etc.) 
While state management staff generally recognizes that climate change is an important 
issue, most states have not begun to incorporate climate-change information into their ongoing 
AIS programs, activities, or plans; few programs make concrete decisions based upon projected 
climate-change impacts. However, there is no specific guidance directing the inclusion of 
climate-change considerations in state AIS programs or plans. Additional challenges not 
reported by states—which may also highlight the nascence of the issue for many state 
managers—include, among others, the potential effects of changes in climate on control 
methodologies and costs, management and authority, and communication of the problem to the 
public. 
Although not every state operates a comprehensive AIS program, consideration of the 
effects of climate change is still essential to the success of those management efforts that are 
undertaken. Because states’ resources for invasive-species management are often scarce, they 
should be used to support management activities that will prevent, control, and eradicate species 
in as efficient a manner as possible. Incorporating climate-change information when planning 
and implementing prevention, control, and eradication activities will help maintain the 
manager’s ability to successfully carry out these activities. Adopting an adaptive management 
framework for AIS management practices will allow states to be better equipped to prevent and 
control AIS invasions under changing conditions and will also maximize the effectiveness and 
efficiency of each state dollar spent on such activities. 
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