The Regional Panels established by the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force are a critical and effective mechanism for achieving the goals of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force and foster collaboration among states to address regional aquatic nuisance species threats and ongoing invasions.
The USACE Invasive Species Policy, dated 21 February 2023, notes that Invasive Species Leadership Team members are encouraged to support interagency coordination by participating in national and regional invasive species councils such as their respective Aquatic Nuisance Species (AS) Regional Panels.
Each Regional Panel of the ANSTF will have a primary voting USACE member that shall serve until (a) a change in job location that geographically removes them from the area of the regional panel; (b) a change in job description or requirements that no longer allows for the employee to participate; (c) a desire by the employee to turn over the membership position to another USACE employee. The primary member should be knowledgeable about the individual ANSTF regional panel requirements regarding participation. Inability to participate as required by the panel can serve as the basis for requesting a new member. The primary member shall be responsible for ensuring regional USACE perspective to panel activities and meetings.
Each panel will have an alternate member that is expected to participate in panel meetings and vote if the primary member is not available. The alternate shall have the knowledge and regional perspective on invasive species that compliments the primary member. It is recommended that the alternate serve for a 3-year period or until (a) a change in job location that geographically removes them from the area of the regional panel; (b) a change in job description or requirements that no longer allows for the employee to participate; (c) a desire by the employee to turn over the membership position to another USACE employee.
Additional observers may be designated by request to provide additional regional perspective on invasive species issues. This may be particularly beneficial for panels that cover a large geographical extent or include several MSCs.
Membership will be maintained on the NRM Gateway and through documented email to the ISLT chairperson with concurrence from the individual's supervisor and MSC representative on the ISLT.
