In February 1999, an Executive Order by President Clinton established the National Invasive Species Council (NISC) to take a leadership role in dealing with invasive species issues. As part of that order, NISC has prepared a plan "to minimize the economic and ecological impacts and the harm to animal and human health associated with invasive species." This document, "National Management Plan:...

The first Web site (1) is a ThinkQuest entry designed by students from Kapolei Elementary School. Although it's geared toward kids, it offers a great overview of the natural history of Hawaii that should benefit anyone not already familiar with the islands. The next Web site (2), from the Hawaiian Ecosystems at Risk Project, outlines the alien species situation in Hawaii and presents a 10-point...

In a news announcement last week, US Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt stated "the invasion of noxious weeds has created a level of destruction to America's environment and economy that is matched only by the damage caused by floods, earthquakes, wildfire, hurricanes and mudslides." Given recent media attention to the loss of native species, this week's In The News focuses on the spread of...

The Why Files (last mentioned in the June 28, 2002 NSDL Scout Report for the Life Sciences) is "a popular and critically acclaimed web site that explores the science behind the news." Check out this recent feature of the Web site, which presents information about a number of harmful invasive species in an entertaining way. The notorious snakehead fish is included in the species lineup, and the...