#United States #Westminster #WSSA #Aquatic Plant Control #APMS

Urgent Call for Aquatic Plant Control Funding

In light of critical ecological challenges posed by invasive aquatic species, a coalition of eleven prominent organizations, including the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) and the Aquatic Plant Management Society (APMS), has formally urged the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to reinstate funding for its long-standing Aquatic Plant Control program in the 2025 budget. In a letter addressed to USACE leadership, the organizations emphasized the dire need for funding to ensure robust management of invasive aquatic plants that threaten water quality and ecosystem health across the nation.

The lack of funding for the Aquatic Plant Control program has raised significant alarms among experts and practitioners in the field. The organizations pointed out that the program is the only federally authorized initiative in the U.S. devoted to researching and developing effective, science-based strategies to manage invasive aquatic weeds. The absence of this program has left various federal and state water resource agencies without the necessary tools to address both current and future challenges in aquatic and wetland invasive plant management. "Without the Aquatic Plant Control program, the USACE will struggle to tackle invasive species and promote aquatic ecosystem restoration effectively," stated Hilary Sandler, Ph.D., president of WSSA, who signed the letter alongside other key organization leaders.

Funding for the Aquatic Plant Control program has historically averaged between $5 million to $7 million annually from 2018 to 2024, a small investment yielding significant returns in managing invasive aquatic weed growth and restoring aquatic environments. The letter highlighted that prior research achieved through this program has led to monumental successes, combating invasive species and enhancing water quality. The coalition argues that cutting funding for the program compromises ongoing research and the development of innovative technologies vital for protecting precious aquatic resources.

Invasive species like hydrilla have been identified as major ecological and economic threats, and it is crucial that the USACE take noted action to avoid exacerbating these issues. The resurgence of support for funding these programs is imperative as we move into a future where an increasing number of waterways face severe threats from invasive plants.

The organizations involved expressed their readiness to collaborate with the newly appointed Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, Adam Telle, to strengthen the nation’s aquatic plant management efforts. The proactive collaboration aims to address the looming challenges posed by invasive species and ensure long-term health for U.S. waterways.

With water resources being essential to human life, their stewardship should be out of urgency and necessity rather than deferred for budgetary reasons. The wealth of ecological benefits provided by healthy aquatic environments calls for renewed investment and strategic action. The WSSA and APMS, along with their partner organizations advocate for vital resources that can assure the sustainability and resilience of aquatic ecosystems in America.

In conclusion, the appeal for funding renewal for the USACE's Aquatic Plant Control program could not be more timely. As invasive species become a pressing issue, enhancing the federal framework for aquatic management ensures that our natural ecosystems can thrive for generations to come. The collaborative effort of eleven organizations highlights a crucial path forward in safeguarding U.S. aquatic resources. Their continued advocacy is a reminder of the significant interdependence between humanity and nature. For additional details, visit WSSA's official website.