on habitat. Climate change-related data, criteria, and models could be incorporated into some 
aspects of the Illinois State Comprehensive Management Plan. 
B.7.4.1. Leadership and Coordination 
The Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 calls for a 
Great Lakes panel to convene and organize on AIS. The coordinated regional effort addresses 
regional priorities, recommendations to the federal Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Task Force, 
and additional federal communications and recommendations. However, the Illinois 
Management Plan does not outline specific responsibilities for the state in this effort. Illinois and 
the Great Lakes panel could bolster their efforts by communicating on the anticipated effects of 
climate change, vectors and species potentially invasive as a result of changing conditions, as 
well as management strategies adapted to account for changing conditions. 
B.7.4.2. Prevention 
The Illinois Management Plan’s prevention strategies, outlined in Strategic Action 2-2, 
focus on vectors and barriers to physical dispersal. Prevention strategies may need to be adapted 
in light of fluctuating lake levels, water temperatures, increased vectors, and other changes 
influenced by climate. These considerations will ensure the robustness of AIS prevention 
management decisions and efficient use of scarce resources. 
B.7.4.3. Early Detection/Rapid Response, Control, and Management 
Illinois has not yet developed an ED/RR protocol but has listed it as a requirement in the 
state AIS Plan. Changing conditions should be considered as the ED/RR system is developed in 
order to increase the effectiveness of monitoring strategies for high priority species. 
Furthermore, climate change may influence which species are determined to be of high risk— 
thus, climate change information should be considered in developing AIS priority lists. 
B.7.4.4. Research 
The Illinois Management Plan sets more effective control strategies and better dispersal 
barriers as research priorities. This research should include adapting management strategies to 
address the anticipated effects of climate change. 
B-31 
