The formation of the Western Regional Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species(WRP) was called for under the l996 amendments to the National Invasive Species Act. The WRP is comprised of Governor appointees of western States, selected Federal agencies, researchers, private industry and conservation organizations. The statutory goals of the WRP include: (1) identifying invasive species priorities for the western region, (2) developing an emergency response strategy for Federal, State, and local entities for stemming new invasions of aquatic nuisance species in the region, and (3) providing advice to public and private individuals and entities concerning methods of preventing spread.
The WRP was created in July l997 and is actively engaged in meeting these goals. A list of WRP contacts, newsletter and other useful western invasive species links can be obtained at the WRP Web site http://www.wrp_ans.org or contact Linda_Drees@fws.gov.