Collectively called invasive species, these uninvited animals, insects, flora, and pathogens continue to exacerbate eradication efforts of scientists, government officials, business people, and other stakeholders. According to a January report issued by the National Invasive Species Council, the annual battle costs the United States $137 billion a year.1 Between 1961 and 1995, according to the San Francisco Estuary Institute, one new species invaded the bay's ecosystem every 14 weeks, and at least four of them a year became established.
Historically, the federal government has fought a usually divided battle against these foes, with various agencies and departments confronting invaders in their area of expertise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention deals with one aspect of West Nile, for example, and the US Department of Agriculture deals with another. About $997 million in federal funds were set aside for the efforts this year.
Whether the Bush administration will adopt such ...
