About the Network

Working collaboratively, these organizations comprise a National Network of Invasive Plant Centers (NNIPC). They provide science-based information and services to diverse stakeholders-natural resource managers, researchers, information specialists, policy-makers, and conservationists working with government agencies, tribal nations, universities and private landowners-who are involved with managing terrestrial and aquatic invasive plants on public lands such as parks, refuges, nature preserves, rangelands, roadsides and rights of ways, forested lands, riparian areas, and waterways. Linked together as NNIPC, these organizations will:

  • Aggregate and coordinate existing regional information and expertise to efficiently develop and deliver comprehensive national programs.
  • Provide a clearinghouse for continuously evolving information such as: Best Management Practices, invasive species alerts, research findings, mapping efforts, and funding and training opportunities.


Initially, focus on four areas that warrant national discussion and coordination:


This network will serve as a "virtual national center" for the U.S. without requiring new "brick and mortar" structures or additional layers of administration. The network will work closely with other regional/national organizations and nonprofits such as the National Association of Exotic Pest Plant Councils (NA-EPPC) and the Western Weed Coordinating Committee (WWCC).

Organizations that have formed this network are those that meet the following criteria:

  1. An established organization with professional personnel dedicated exclusively to the center.
  2. Work with multiple species primarily in natural areas and minimally managed habitats.
  3. A regional, typically multi-state, vision and responsibilities serving diverse stakeholders.
  4. Nationally recognized programs, services, and significance.
  5. An approach toward integrated natural resource management based on ecosystem sciences.
  6. A commitment to networking with and mentoring other groups.


Network organizations are not regulatory authorities, branches of a government agency, or focused on production agriculture. As a network, NNIPC does not conduct research.