H.R. 4219: National Wildlife Refuge System Invasive Species Strike Team Act of 2025

This bill, known as the National Wildlife Refuge System Invasive Species Strike Team Act of 2025, aims to establish a program within the United States Fish and Wildlife Service dedicated to managing and mitigating the negative impacts of invasive species in and around National Wildlife Refuge System lands and waters.

Purpose of the Bill

The main objective is to gain legislative authorization for a program that will focus on eradicating or controlling invasive species to protect native ecosystems. This program will operate through methods such as:

• Prevention of invasive species introduction.
• Biosecurity measures.
• Early detection of invasives.
• Rapid response to invasive species threats.

Invasive Species Strike Team Program

The bill instructs the Secretary of the Interior to implement the Invasive Species Strike Team Program, which has the following key components:

Requirements

• The establishment of at least one strike team in each region of the Fish and Wildlife Service, trained in:
  • Prevention and early detection of invasive species.
  • Eradicating and managing invasive species.
  • Using integrated pest management techniques.
  • Conducting training and preparedness exercises.
  • Utilizing risk assessments and innovations to enhance effectiveness.
• Engaging with various entities, including government agencies, nonprofits, and private organizations, to align efforts and share resources.
• Collaborating on taxonomy standards and reporting within Department of the Interior databases.
• Utilizing standardized reporting systems and databases to manage information regarding invasive species.

Provision of Assistance

The Secretary is authorized to provide support to various stakeholders for managing properties near wildlife refuges, which may include:

• Financial assistance.
• Technical support.
• Contracts.
• Grants or cooperative agreements.

Coordination of Management Actions

The bill encourages the coordination of actions by Invasive Species Strike Teams with adjacent landowners and state agencies, ensuring that efforts are integrated and efficient.

Reporting Requirements

The Secretary is tasked to report to Congress on the program's performance two years and five years after the enactment of the bill. These reports must summarize the activities of strike teams and demonstrate any progress in managing priority invasive species.

Funding

The bill authorizes the appropriation of $15 million annually for a five-year period (2026 through 2030) to support the implementation of the program.

Definitions

Specific definitions provided in the bill include:

• Invasive species: Non-native organisms that can cause harm to biodiversity, ecosystems, or human health.
• Early detection: The process of identifying non-native species before they can establish and spread.
• Priority invasive species: Those that pose significant threats to native species, habitats, or economic viability.
• Program: Refers to the Invasive Species Strike Team Program as outlined in the legislation.
• Secretary: The Secretary of the Interior.

Relevant Companies

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