Invasive Species Ranking System

Statement of Work Complete a ranking system for non-native (invasive) terrestrial and aquatic animals and invertebrate species (not plants). This means a complete review of the invasive species plans of other organizations and relevant literature, a biography and risk assessment for each species identified for ranking, and a ranking system placed in linked tabular form appropriate for a website. Provide a clear report documenting the methods and results on an invasive species ranking. Present draft report and findings to Forest Service employees and edit draft report as necessary to deliver a final report. Format of final report (e.g., pdf) and tabular website (e.g., html) negotiable, but delivered on electronic media suitable for the internet. Timeline: Begin ASAP, Finish (negotiable) December 31, 2008. General Methods - Update list of non-native or invasive species on National Forest System Lands in Alaska. Conduct a thorough literature review of non-native species that occur on or adjacent to National Forest lands in Alaska using published and unpublished sources, and if necessary, update the pre-existing list compiled by Schrader and Hennon (2005). - Develop ranking criteria. Review literature of existing invasiveness ranking systems (both published and gray literature) for animals, with a focus on potential for introduction, establishment, damage, and control - Develop invasiveness ranking criteria: Based on the results of the literature review, develop a set of invasiveness ranking criteria. The final ranking criteria and system will be decided upon based on agreement between the FS and contractor staff. - Synthesize information for select species to be ranked. Summarize information from the literature and other existing sources on the biology, modes of dispersal, documented impacts, control options, and distribution of species to be ranked - Rank all known invasive animal species on National Forest Lands in Alaska. From the up-dated list of non-native animals, populate the ranking system for individual species using the synthesis of information described above. - Develop a linked tabular output similar to current invasive plants website Specific deliverables - the report - Summarize the results of the ranking system in a final report which will contain detailed information in the development of the ranking system, a summary of the final ranks, and individual species ranking templates with associated documentation used to calculate the rank - the ranking system (detailing the elements and scoring of ranking factors), species biographies, species risk assessments - the display in tabular form for each species (similar to the previously completed invasive plant ranking project) - the linked tabular output - ranking, biography, and risk assessment . - the webpage similar to current plant invasiveness on ANHP website.