---
kind: "section"
citation: "16 U.S.C. § 666c–1"
title: "16"
title_heading: "Conservation"
number: "666c–1"
heading: "Protection of water, oceans, coasts, and wildlife from invasive species"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/16/666c-1"
units:
  - "Chapter 5A — Protection and Conservation of Wildlife"
  - "Subchapter I — Game, Fur-Bearing Animals, and Fish"
---

# §666c–1. Protection of water, oceans, coasts, and wildlife from invasive species

- (a) **Definitions—** In this section:
  - (1) **Control—** The term “control”, with respect to an invasive species, means the eradication, suppression, or reduction of the population of the invasive species within the [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) in which the invasive species is present.
  - (2) **Ecosystem—** The term “ecosystem” means the complex of a community of organisms and the environment of the organisms.
  - (3) **Eligible State—** The term “eligible [State](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=13)” means any of—[^1]
    - (A) a [State](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=13);
    - (B) the District of Columbia;
    - (C) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico;
    - (D) Guam;
    - (E) American Samoa;
    - (F) the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; and
    - (G) the [United States](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=13) Virgin Islands.
  - (4) **Invasive species—**
    - (A) **In general—** The term “invasive species” means an alien species, the introduction of which causes, or is likely to cause, economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.
    - (B) **Associated definition—** For purposes of [subparagraph (A)](#a-4-A), the term “alien species”, with respect to a particular ecosystem, means any species (including the seeds, eggs, spores, or other biological material of the species that are capable of propagating the species) that is not [native](/usc/16/3102.md?p=16) to the affected ecosystem.
  - (5) **Manage; management—** The terms “[manage](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=4)” and “[management](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=4)”, with respect to an invasive species, mean the active implementation of any activity—
    - (A) to reduce or stop the spread of the invasive species; and
    - (B) to inhibit further infestations of the invasive species, the spread of the invasive species, or harm caused by the invasive species, including investigations regarding methods for early detection and rapid response, prevention, control, or [management](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=4) of the invasive species.
  - (6) **Prevent—** The term “prevent”, with respect to an invasive species, means—
    - (A) to hinder the introduction of the invasive species onto land or water; or
    - (B) to impede the spread of the invasive species within land or water by inspecting, intercepting, or confiscating invasive species threats prior to the establishment of the invasive species onto land or water of an eligible [State](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=13).
  - (7) **Secretary concerned—** The term “[Secretary concerned](/usc/16/620e.md?p=8)” means—
    - (A) the [Secretary](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=12) of the Army, with respect to [Federal land](/usc/16/3102.md?p=2) administered by the Corps of Engineers;
    - (B) the [Secretary](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=12) of the Interior, with respect to [Federal land](/usc/16/3102.md?p=2) administered by the [Secretary](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=12) of the Interior through—
      - (i) the [United States](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=13) [Fish and Wildlife](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=7) Service;
      - (ii) the Bureau of Indian Affairs;
      - (iii) the Bureau of Land [Management](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=4);
      - (iv) the Bureau of Reclamation; or
      - (v) the National [Park](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-3) Service;
    - (C) the [Secretary](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=12) of Agriculture, with respect to [Federal land](/usc/16/3102.md?p=2) administered by the [Secretary](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=12) of Agriculture through the Forest Service; and
    - (D) the head or a representative of any other Federal agency the duties of whom require planning relating to, and the treatment of, invasive species for the purpose of protecting water and [wildlife](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=7) on land and coasts and in oceans and water.
  - (8) **Species—** The term “species” means a group of organisms, all of which—
    - (A) have a high degree of genetic similarity;
    - (B) are morphologically distinct;
    - (C) generally—
      - (i) interbreed at maturity only among themselves; and
      - (ii) produce fertile offspring; and
    - (D) show persistent differences from members of allied groups of organisms.
- (b) **Control and management—** Each [Secretary concerned](/usc/16/620e.md?p=8) shall plan and carry out activities on land directly managed by the [Secretary concerned](/usc/16/620e.md?p=8) to protect water and [wildlife](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=7) by controlling and [managing](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=4) invasive species—
  - (1) to inhibit or reduce the populations of invasive species; and
  - (2) to effectuate restoration or reclamation efforts.
- (c) **Strategic plan—**
  - (1) **In general—** Each [Secretary concerned](/usc/16/620e.md?p=8) shall develop a strategic plan for the implementation of the invasive species program to achieve, to the maximum extent practicable, a substantive annual net reduction of invasive species populations or infested acreage on land or water managed by the [Secretary concerned](/usc/16/620e.md?p=8).
  - (2) **Coordination—** Each strategic plan under [paragraph (1)](#c-1) shall be developed—
    - (A) in coordination with affected—
      - (i) relevant Federal agencies;
      - (ii) eligible [States](/usc/16/544.md?p=r); and
      - (iii) political [subdivisions](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=15) of eligible [States](/usc/16/544.md?p=r);
    - (B) in consultation with stakeholders, including nongovernmental organizations and industry;
    - (C) in consultation with federally recognized [Indian tribes](/usc/16/544.md?p=g); and
    - (D) in accordance with the priorities established by 1 or more Governors of the eligible [States](/usc/16/544.md?p=r) in which an ecosystem affected by an invasive species is located.
  - (3) **Factors for consideration—** In developing a strategic plan under this subsection, the [Secretary concerned](/usc/16/620e.md?p=8) shall [take](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=15) into consideration the economic and ecological costs of action or inaction, as applicable.
- (d) **Cost-effective methods—** In selecting a method to be used to control or [manage](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=4) an invasive species as part of a specific control or [management](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=4) [project](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-4) conducted as part of a strategic plan developed under [subsection (c)](#c), the [Secretary concerned](/usc/16/620e.md?p=8) shall prioritize the use of methods that—
  - (1) effectively control and [manage](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=4) invasive species, as determined by the [Secretary concerned](/usc/16/620e.md?p=8), based on sound scientific data;
  - (2) minimize environmental impacts; and
  - (3) control and [manage](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=4) invasive species in the most cost-effective manner.
- (e) **Comparative economic assessment—** To achieve compliance with [subsection (d)](#d), the [Secretary concerned](/usc/16/620e.md?p=8) shall require a comparative economic assessment of invasive species control and [management](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=4) methods to be conducted.
- (f) **Expedited action—**
  - (1) **In general—** The [Secretaries](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=12) concerned shall use all tools and flexibilities available (as of March 12, 2019) to expedite the [projects](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-4) and activities described in [paragraph (2)](#f-2).
  - (2) **Description of projects and activities—** A [project](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-4) or activity referred to in [paragraph (1)](#f-1) is a [project](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-4) or activity—
    - (A) to protect water or [wildlife](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=7) from an invasive species that, as determined by the [Secretary concerned](/usc/16/620e.md?p=8) is, or will be, carried out on land or water that is—
      - (i) directly managed by the [Secretary concerned](/usc/16/620e.md?p=8); and
      - (ii) located in an [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) that is—
        - (I) at high risk for the introduction, establishment, or spread of invasive species; and
        - (II) determined by the [Secretary concerned](/usc/16/620e.md?p=8) to require immediate action to address the risk identified in [subclause (I)](#f-2-A-ii-I); and
    - (B) carried out in accordance with applicable agency procedures, including any applicable—
      - (i) land or resource [management plan](/usc/16/544.md?p=k); or
      - (ii) land use plan.
- (g) **Allocation of funding—** Of the amount appropriated or otherwise made available to each [Secretary concerned](/usc/16/620e.md?p=8) for a fiscal year for programs that address or include protection of land or water from an invasive species, the [Secretary concerned](/usc/16/620e.md?p=8) shall use not less than 75 percent for on-the-ground control and [management](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=4) of invasive species, which may include—
  - (1) the purchase of necessary products, equipment, or services to conduct that control and [management](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=4);
  - (2) the use of integrated pest [management](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=4) options, including options that use pesticides authorized for sale, distribution, or use under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act ([7 U.S.C. 136](/usc/7/136.md) et seq.);
  - (3) the use of biological control agents that are proven to be effective to reduce invasive species populations;
  - (4) the use of revegetation or cultural restoration methods designed to improve the diversity and richness of ecosystems;
  - (5) the use of monitoring and detection activities for invasive species, including equipment, detection dogs, and mechanical devices;
  - (6) the use of appropriate methods to remove invasive species from a vehicle or vessel capable of conveyance; or
  - (7) the use of other effective mechanical or manual control methods.
- (h) **Investigations, outreach, and public awareness—** Of the amount appropriated or otherwise made available to each [Secretary concerned](/usc/16/620e.md?p=8) for a fiscal year for programs that address or include protection of land or water from an invasive species, the [Secretary concerned](/usc/16/620e.md?p=8) may use not more than 15 percent for investigations, development activities, and outreach and public awareness efforts to address invasive species control and [management](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=4) needs.
- (i) **Administrative costs—** Of the amount appropriated or otherwise made available to each [Secretary concerned](/usc/16/620e.md?p=8) for a fiscal year for programs that address or include protection of land or water from an invasive species, not more than 10 percent may be used for administrative costs incurred to carry out those programs, including costs relating to oversight and [management](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=4) of the programs, recordkeeping, and implementation of the strategic plan developed under [subsection (c)](#c).
- (j) **Reporting requirements—** Not later than 60 days after the end of the second fiscal year beginning after March 12, 2019, each [Secretary concerned](/usc/16/620e.md?p=8) shall submit to Congress a report—
  - (1) describing the use by the [Secretary concerned](/usc/16/620e.md?p=8) during the 2 preceding fiscal years of funds for programs that address or include invasive species [management](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=4); and
  - (2) specifying the percentage of funds expended for each of the purposes specified in subsections [(g)](#g), [(h)](#h), and [(i)](#i).
- (k) **Relation to other authority—**
  - (1) **Other invasive species control, prevention, and management authorities—** Nothing in this section precludes the [Secretary concerned](/usc/16/620e.md?p=8) from pursuing or supporting, pursuant to any other provision of law, any activity regarding the control, prevention, or [management](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=4) of an invasive species, including investigations to improve the control, prevention, or [management](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=4) of the invasive species.
  - (2) **Public water supply systems—** Nothing in this section authorizes the [Secretary concerned](/usc/16/620e.md?p=8) to suspend any water delivery or diversion, or otherwise to prevent the operation of a public water supply [system](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=14), as a measure to control, [manage](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=4), or prevent the introduction or spread of an invasive species.
- (l) **Use of partnerships—** Subject to the[^1] subsections [(m)](#m) and [(n)](#n), the [Secretary concerned](/usc/16/620e.md?p=8) may enter into any contract or cooperative agreement with another Federal agency, an eligible [State](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=13), a federally recognized Indian tribe, a political [subdivision](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=15) of an eligible [State](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=13), or a private individual or entity to assist with the control and [management](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=4) of an invasive species.
- (m) **Memorandum of understanding—**
  - (1) **In general—** As a condition of a contract or cooperative agreement under [subsection (l)](#l), the [Secretary concerned](/usc/16/620e.md?p=8) and the applicable Federal agency, eligible [State](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=13), political [subdivision](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=15) of an eligible [State](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=13), or private individual or entity shall enter into a memorandum of understanding that describes—
    - (A) the nature of the partnership between the parties to the memorandum of understanding; and
    - (B) the control and [management](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=4) activities to be conducted under the contract or cooperative agreement.
  - (2) **Contents—** A memorandum of understanding under this subsection shall contain, at a minimum, the following:
    - (A) A prioritized listing of each invasive species to be controlled or managed.
    - (B) An assessment of the total acres of land or [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) of water infested by the invasive species.
    - (C) An estimate of the expected total acres of land or [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) of water infested by the invasive species after control and [management](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=4) of the invasive species is attempted.
    - (D) A description of each specific, integrated pest [management](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=4) option to be used, including a comparative economic assessment to determine the least-costly method.
    - (E) Any [map](/usc/16/430f–7.md?p=1), boundary, or Global Positioning [System](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=14) coordinates needed to clearly identify the [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) in which each control or [management](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=4) activity is proposed to be conducted.
    - (F) A written assurance that each partner will comply with [section 2814 of title 7](/usc/7/2814.md).
  - (3) **Coordination—** If a partner to a contract or cooperative agreement under [subsection (l)](#l) is an eligible [State](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=13), political [subdivision](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=15) of an eligible [State](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=13), or private individual or entity, the memorandum of understanding under this subsection shall include a description of—
    - (A) the means by which each applicable control or [management](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=4) effort will be coordinated; and
    - (B) the expected outcomes of [managing](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=4) and controlling the invasive species.
  - (4) **Public outreach and awareness efforts—** If a contract or cooperative agreement under [subsection (l)](#l) involves any outreach or public awareness effort, the memorandum of understanding under this subsection shall include a list of goals and objectives for each outreach or public awareness effort that have been determined to be efficient to inform national, regional, [State](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=13), Tribal, or local audiences regarding invasive species control and [management](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=4).
- (n) **Investigations—** The purpose of any invasive species-related investigation carried out under a contract or cooperative agreement under [subsection (l)](#l) shall be—
  - (1) to develop solutions and specific recommendations for control and [management](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=4) of invasive species; and
  - (2) specifically to provide faster implementation of control and [management](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=4) methods.
- (o) **Coordination with affected local governments—** Each [project](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-4) and activity carried out pursuant to this section shall be coordinated with affected local governments in a manner that is consistent with [section 1712(c)(9) of title 43](/usc/43/1712.md?p=c-9).
- (p) **Authorization of appropriations—** There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2030—
  - (1) $2,500,000 to the [Secretary](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=12) of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers; and
  - (2) $2,500,000 to the [Secretary](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=12) of the Interior.

## Footnotes

[^1]: So in original.

## Source credit

(Mar. 10, 1934, ch. 55, § 10, as added Pub. L. 116–9, title VII, § 7001(b)(2)(B), Mar. 12, 2019, 133 Stat. 779; amended Pub. L. 116–188, title I, § 105, Oct. 30, 2020, 134 Stat. 916; Pub. L. 118–198, title I, § 104, Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 2680.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### References in Text

The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, referred to in subsec. (g)(2), is act June 25, 1947, ch. 125, as amended generally by Pub. L. 92–516, § 2, Oct. 21, 1972, 86 Stat. 973, which is classified generally to subchapter II (§ 136 et seq.) of chapter 6 of Title 7, Agriculture. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 136 of Title 7 and Tables.

### Amendments

2024—Subsec. (p). Pub. L. 118–198 substituted “2030” for “2025” in introductory provisions.

2020—Subsec. (c)(2)(A). Pub. L. 116–188, § 105(1)(A), added cl. (i) and redesignated former cls. (i) and (ii) as (ii) and (iii), respectively.

Subsec. (c)(2)(B) to (D). Pub. L. 116–188, § 105(1)(B), (C), added subpar. (B) and redesignated former subpars. (B) and (C) as (C) and (D), respectively.

Subsec. (p). Pub. L. 116–188, § 105(2), added subsec. (p).