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Governor's Invasive Species Council

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From left clockwise: Spotted lanternfly, Japanese knotweed, emerald ash borer, hydrilla

The Governor's Invasive Species Council works to identify invasive plant, insect, and animal species that currently threaten or could potentially threaten Pennsylvania's natural and agricultural resources and the industries they support. 

The Council develops and works to implement the Commonwealth's invasive species management plan, which provides a framework for the prevention and control of invasive species at the state level. The Council also advises the Governor on invasive species policy development, facilitates coordination between agencies and organizations to address invasive species threats, and conducts outreach and education. The Council recommends adoption of a Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM) approach to more effectively manage invasive species in Pennsylvania.

The goal is to minimize the harmful ecological, economic, and human health impacts of invasive species by preventing and managing their introduction and dispersal in and from Pennsylvania.

The Governor's Invasive Species Council includes seven state agencies and 14 organizations. The Council meets quarterly. For more information on members and meetings, see About Us.

Allegheny Plateau Invasive Plant Management Area
Pennsylvania Game Commission
​County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania
​Pennsylvania Lake Management Society
​PennAg Industries Association
Pennsylvania Landscape and Nursery Association
​Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts
​Pennsylvania Sea Grant
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Pennsylvania State University 


​Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
Philadelphia Regional Port Authority


Pennsylvania Department of Health
Temple University
​Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
University of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Farm Bureau
​Western PA Conservancy
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission