[APWG] Fw: Invasivespeciesinfo.gov Launches Redesigned Web Site

[Jil_Swearingen at nps.gov]

Feb 1, 2006
National Agricultural Library
Joyce Bolton

http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov
<http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/index.shtml>

BELTSVILLE, MD, February 1, 2006--The National Invasive Species Information
Center (NISIC) at the National Agricultural Library (NAL) has launched a
redesigned Web site making it easier to find information about invasive
species.

Invasive species are harmful non-native species, and a serious and costly
national problem, often with personal impact. For example, the Emerald Ash
Borer--a wood boring insect that targets ash and other trees--was first
detected in Michigan in 2002; it now covers 5,600 square miles from
Michigan to Virginia, plus Canada. In some cases homeowners have been asked
to remove infected trees at their own considerable cost.

The costs to prevent, eradicate, or control invasive species are high and
fall on all levels of society. Finding solutions to the invasive species
problem depend on access to reliable information. Invasivespeciesinfo.gov
is a convenient Web gateway to more than 13,000 science-backed information
resources.

The design of the new site allows better cross-referencing of information
across the site, meaning that customers can more quickly find the
information they need. Users of the redesigned site can browse for
information by invasive species type - aquatic species, plants, animals and
microbes--or by other topics, such as economic impacts, laws and
regulations, management, or news and events. The Web site features links to
images, fact sheets, management plans, and an extensive list of agencies
and organizations with interest in preventing, controlling, or eradicating
invasive species.

Species profiles are core to the Web site; more than 80 profiles are
currently available, with new profiles added every year. All types of
invasive species are profiled, including the northern snakehead fish, cane
toad, brown tree snake, fire ants, nutria, West Nile Virus, water hyacinth,
and kudzu. Profiles link to information about the scientific name,
distribution, life cycle, introduction, and fact sheets, frequently asked
questions, management plans and more.

NISIC is one of eight information centers at NAL, supported by the
Agricultural Research Service, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief
scientific research agency. NISIC was established in 2005 at the National
Agricultural Library to meet the information needs of users, including the
National Invasive Species Council (Council). The Council was established by
Executive Order 13112 in 1999. The United States Department of Agriculture
is a member of the Council.

The redesign of the NISIC Web site implements USDA Web standards and meets
U.S. Office of Management and Budget guidelines for focusing on customer
needs. For more information, contact: Joyce Bolton, National Invasive
Species Information Center, National Agricultural Library, (E-mail Invasive
<mailto:invasive at nal.usda.gov> , 301 504-6454)


Barbara Zapp
Program Analyst
Agricultural Research Service
George Washington Carver Building
5601 Sunnyside Avenue
Beltsville, MD  20705
301-504-4701
FAX 301-504-6191
e-mail bwz at ars.usda.gov


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