Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Program

The Nebraska Invasive Species Program (NISP) continues to administer a multi-institutional Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Program with grant funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

Goals

• Decrease the risk of aquatic invasive species introduction into Nebraska by implementing a boat inspections and decontamination program
• Increase public awareness of AIS through an integrated outreach and education program
• Continue AIS monitoring to help focus prevention efforts
• Increase local and regional collaboration in the prevention of AIS. 

Current Status

Nonnative invasive species cause significant economic and ecological damage by driving biodiversity loss and reducing ecosystem diversity. They also threaten human health, agriculture, forestry, water resources, and wildlife. Human activities, such as e-commerce, travel, trade, and land-use changes, accelerate their introduction and spread, often without immediate control measures. Prevention is the most cost-effective strategy, avoiding the intensive efforts needed to manage established populations.
The Nebraska Invasive Species Council (NISC) works to minimize invasive species impacts on Nebraska’s economy and environment by: (1) recommending action to minimize the effects of harmful invasive species on Nebraska’s citizens to promote the economic and environmental well-being of the state; (2) developing and periodically updating a statewide adaptive management plan for invasive species; (3) serving as a forum for discussion, identification, and understanding of invasive species issues; (4) facilitating the communication, cooperation, and coordination of local, state, federal, private, and nongovernmental entities for the prevention, control, and management of invasive species; (5) assisting with public outreach and awareness of invasive species issues; and (6) providing information to Nebraska’s Legislature for decision-making, planning, and coordination of invasive species management and prevention.
The NISC is composed of 26 members from over 16 entities statewide, meeting monthly to address invasive species issues. The council coordinator provides technical support and enhances early detection, prevention, and control efforts.
In October 2024, the NISC released its 2024–2027 Adaptive Management Plan, prioritizing statewide coordination, legislative advising, and public outreach.
The NISC re-launched its website, NEinvasives.com, on a new platform in January 2025. Since then, the council has begun updating its invasive species list, currently with 36 aquatic and 89 terrestrial threats, and continues to add new species profiles weekly. 
In 2025, NISC began Nebraska Invasive Species Awareness Week (NE-ISAW), May 26–30, following a May 13 proclamation signing ceremony by Governor Jim Pillen. The week highlighted the economic and environmental impacts of invasive species and promoted prevention efforts. Events included daily webinars from The Nature Conservancy, Don’t Let It Loose, and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission on invasive weeds, pet release pathways, and zebra mussels. The week concluded with Know Your Nebraska Invasive Day on May 31 at Pawnee State Recreation Area, where over 75 attendees participated in activities such as kayaking, fishing, vegetation survey demos, boat inspection games, and guided hikes.
The NISC remains committed to building awareness around invasive species issues, encouraging every Nebraskan to become part of the solution to protect our state’s resources.