Governor's Invasive Species Council
The Governor's Invasive Species Council of Pennsylvania (PISC) is a multi-agency advisory panel made up of seven state agencies and non-governmental agencies with the common purpose of identifying invasive species of concern that currently or could potentially threaten the Commonwealth's natural and agricultural resources and the industries they support.
Initially enacted in 2004 by Executive Order No. 2004-1, Governor Tom Wolf reenacted the Council on December 20, 2017 with Executive Order No. 2017-07. The Council's main purpose is to develop the Commonwealth's invasive species action plans, advise the Governor on invasive species policy development, and coordinate interagency response to invasive species threats. Chaired by the Secretary of Agriculture, the council members include agency heads of this Commonwealth responsible for the conservation of agricultural and natural resources and the protection of public health along with public members representing agriculture and natural resource organizations and educational institutions conducting invasive species research and outreach, with the purpose to:
"...minimize the harmful ecological, economic and human health impacts of invasive species through the prevention and management of their introduction, expansion and dispersal into, within and from Pennsylvania."
The Council meets quarterly to discuss current and potential threats to Pennsylvania's agricultural and natural resources, interagency cooperation strategies, public outreach and education, and updates and recommendations for policy development. All meetings are announced prior to the date and are open to the public.
May 16-23 is National Invasive Species Awareness Week part 2, focusing on local impact and awareness. Visit NISAW.org for resources and ideas on how you can get involved in your community.
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The Governor's Invasive Species Council is actively working on the Spotted Lanternfly problem. Learn more about this invasive pest.