B.6. IDAHO ACTION PLAN FOR INVASIVE SPECIES 
B.6.1. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF IDAHO’S PLAN 
As of December 2006, Idaho’s Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Management Plan was 
under development; however, the state’s Action Plan for Invasive Species includes extensive 
information on ANS and is summarized here (available at 
htt p://www.agri. state.id.us/Categories/Environment/InvasiveSpeciesCouncil/documents/Idaho% 
27s%20Invasive%20Species%20Plan.pdf ). The Management Plan, written by the Idaho 
Invasive Species Council for Governor Kempthome in 2005, identifies gaps in current state 
management efforts and explains how these gaps may be addressed. The Management Plan 
contains 22 actions to address 7 main management approaches, each with a long-term goal: (1) 
Early intervention (2) Containment, control, and restoration; (3) Education and training; (4) 
Research and technology transfer; (5) Assurance of adequate funding; (6) Creation of an 
adequate, effective legal structure; and (7) Coordination of existing programs. All proposed 
actions have associated short-term goals, a measurable objective, and an implementation 
timeline. 
B.6.2. CLIMATE CHANGE AND AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES IN IDAHO 
Average warming in the Pacific Northwestern region of the United States is projected to 
reach 3°F (1.7°C) by the 2020s and 5°F (2.8°C) by the 2050s. Annual precipitation projections 
are less certain; projected precipitation levels range from a small decrease (7% or 2 inches) to a 
slightly larger increase (13% or 4 inches). Heavier winter rainfall would increase soil saturation, 
landslides, and winter flooding. The projected precipitation increases are expected to be 
concentrated in winter, with decreases or smaller increases during summer; for this reason, even 
the projections that show increases in annual precipitation show decreases in water availability 
(Parson, 2001b). 
As temperatures increase and water supplies decrease, aquatic invasive species (AIS) 
such as salt cedar may gain an advantage over native, less tolerant species. Idaho may 
experience an increase in AIS transported by humans as air and water temperatures warm and 
water-based recreation increases or is extended for longer periods throughout the year. 
B.6.3. THE IDAHO PLAN’S CURRENT INTEGRATION OF CLIMATE CHANGE 
Table B-5 summarizes how the Idaho Action Plan for Invasive Species addresses and 
incorporates the predicted effects of climate change. Idaho’s Action Plan for Invasive Species 
does not incorporate climate change impacts on its management actions. 
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