Priority Invasives

Invasive Species Prioritization

WNY PRISM invasive species priority lists were developed by our Terrestrial and Aquatic Working Groups. Over the years the prioritization process has changed, but the involvement of partners in the effort remains the same. 

Working Groups communicate through in-person meetings, conference calls/webinars and email. If you are interested in being part of our Working Groups, please contact Andrea Locke, WNY PRISM Coordinator at lockeas@buffalostate.edu.

Invasive Species Prioritization Tiers

The New York State Invasive Species Program has developed a tiered ranking system for invasive species, to provide management and prioritization assistance. WNY PRISM completed a review of species rankings in November 2022 and has developed new or updated rankings for 149 species (available here). WNY PRISM will continue to work through the process of updating existing tier rankings and ranking additional species as new information becomes available.

NYS Invasive Species Tiered Ranking Chart

In addition to tier rankings, WNY PRISM maintains approaching region/watchlist (Tier 1) and early detection (Tier 2) priority species lists, to further assist with prioritizing management efforts. 

Early Detection Priorities

Approaching Region Priorities

Data Gap Species Priorities