The objective of this topic was to solicit proposals for testing and evaluation of known and existing species and methods for the biological control (biocontrol) of non-indigenous, invasive plant, terrestrial vertebrate, or invertebrate species, while effectively protecting native species and their habitats. The scope of the proposed work should have been targeted toward methods and species that specifically addressed invasive species while keeping in mind the integration of proposed methods with the Department of Defense’s ecological land management and mission (i.e., testing and training) sustainment requirements.

Proposals responding were asked to focus on:

• Invasive species that are, or have the potential to impact military training, testing, and other activities.
• Existing or novel biocontrol techniques (techniques can be integrated into other ecosystem management techniques) that meet all U.S. Department of Agriculture, state, and international regulatory requirements.
• Classical biocontrol, conservation biological control, molecular synthetic biology techniques, or other related integrated techniques proposals accepted.
• Consideration of effects and risks of the proposed biocontrol schemes on threatened and endangered and at-risk species, other related species, and their habitats.

Proposals were also asked to consider the impact of the biocontrol and integrated practices on any testing, training, and readiness activities that may take place in the area.

Funded projects will appear below as project overviews are posted to the website.

The proposed research work will benefit the DoD’s critical need for strategic mobility, improved tools and procedures for biosecurity related activities, and reduced potential for invasive species impacts to efficient DoD land management.

There is a need for the DoD to control and prevent further invasion by non-indigenous species (such as invasive ants, insects, grasses, etc.). The impact of non-indigenous invasive species on military operations is four-fold. First, expansion of invasive species can negate realistic conditions for training or testing operations. Second, invasive species are the second leading cause of habitat destruction. Third, operations to detect and control invasive species detract from resources devoted to mission activities. Fourth, some invasive species have physical characteristics that can directly limit training activities in areas where they exist. While consideration should be taken to propose methods that apply to one or more of the high priority invasive species listed below, regionally or locally important invasive species not included in the list below also may be considered.

Profiles may be found for some of these species on the USDA’s invasive species website.