A.4. SUMMARY OF AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT IN ARIZONA 
A.4.1. AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT PLAN 
Arizona’s aquatic invasive species (AIS) management plan is under development (see 
Appendix B, State Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan Summaries for a general 
description of the Plan). 
A.4.2. AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES 
• Invasive Species Council, Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), Arizona 
Department of Agriculture (DA). The council conducts a “Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers 
Program” and works with 100th Meridian, an initiative to stop the spread of zebra 
mussels, to inform watercraft operators/owners and marina operators to take proper 
precautions. The Council also conducts aquatic nuisance species (ANS) monitoring. 
• Giant Salvinia Task Force (GSTF), U.S. Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Bureau 
of Reclamation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), AZGFD, AZDA, 
California Department of Fish and Game, California Department of Food and 
Agriculture, Palo Verde Irrigation District, and 11 others. Each of the 20 weed 
management area groups is responsible for implementing control efforts at a particular 
region. This particular Task Force has used intensive inventory, mechanical control, and 
herbicide application since 2001. Biocontrol (Salvinia weevils) was implemented in 
2004 and has been followed by supplemental releases. An early detection and rapid 
response program is in place for invasive aquatic plants (e.g., a rapid response was 
undertaken recently for water hyacinth). This AIS Program works closely with the 
International Boundary and Water Commission. 
• Hydrilla Eradication, AZDA. The AZDA and Arizona landowners continue treatment 
of two isolated populations of hydrilla in the Phoenix and Tucson areas as part of the 
regular enforcement of the state’s noxious weed laws. 
A.4.3. CLIMATE CHANGE CONCERNS REPORTED BY STATE PERSONNEL 
• It is generally accepted that climate has a relationship to the distribution of species, 
natural or introduced, and that the state needs to anticipate ecosystem changes as a result 
of changes in water temperature and environmental conditions. 
• The Arizona State Wildlife Action Plan recognizes both climate change and invasive 
species as identified threats. As plant populations increase heavily during the summer, 
warmer temperatures due to climate change may generate more plant growth. 
A-19 
