Managing Natural Resource Pathways
Managing Our Pathways
Resource management work could provide pathways to unintentionally spread species, which may be invasive, to unique and critical habitats for already endangered species. Next to habitat loss, invasive species are resource management’s biggest challenge. Executive Order 13112, 1998, directs agencies to prevent the spread of invasive species in their work. Few management tools exist to implement this Directive. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) planning could provide the management tool needed. HACCP has been modified from the food industry for natural resource work. Without planning, hitchhiking species of plants, animals and other biologics may contaminate natural resource pathways. HACCP’s five linked forms strategically identify risks of hitchhiking species in natural resource work and focuses prevention on specific pathway problems. Best management practices are recorded. Risks to resources are easily assessed. Allocation of funding for high priority problems is based on facts identified in HACCP planning. Consistent management decisions preventing species spread based on planning information protects resources.
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