About the North American Invasive Species Network

Over the past two centuries, human population growth and development has substantially altered waterways the natural landscape's of North America. Once contiguous across the continent, many wetland and upland ecosystems have been reduced to mere remnants that are now being further degraded and diminished by invasive species. North America's Great Lakes, the Gulf of Mexico, and many major river basins have also been significantly impacted by non-native species invasions. These biological invasions have increased because of expanded global trade and its associated intentionally imported species or related biological hitchhikers. The resulting non-native species invasions exacerbate our ability to conserve what remains of North America's biological heritage, particularly on public conservation lands and waterways.

The North American Invasive Species Network (NAISN) is an American 501(c)3 non-profit organization that was formed in 2010 by university and government scientists from across North America. The countries of Mexico and Canada participate as NAISN members through a Memorandum of Understanding. Membership is targeted toward regional university centers and institutes, government institutions, non-profit organizations, research labs, and/or other groups and individuals with invasive species interests and qualifications that are valuable to the mission of NAISN. Because invasive species cross governmental jurisdictional boundary lines, NAISN aims to unify and connect existing regional invasive species efforts into a single network to improve communication, collaboration, and overall coordination to help current invasive species management and prevention efforts across the continent.

NAISN membership is comprised of three categories:

  • Hubs are regionally- or internationally-based organizations and agencies that address invasive species issues through research, coordination, or management missions/efforts.
  • Nodes are government agencies, networks, and other organizational entities that are thematically focused and play a recognized role in invasive species research, management, public outreach, or policy.
  • Affiliates are individuals with invasive species interests and qualifications that align with the NAISN mission.

As outlined in the Bylaws, NAISN is governed by a Board of Directors which includes an elected Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer.

NAISN Documents

Bylaws
Five–year Business Strategy Plan (2013–2018)
Informational Brochure
Application for Membership