Agency Information Collection Activities; Interjurisdictional Invasive Species Rapid Response Team Program

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Published

September 30, 2026

Issuing agencies

Interior DepartmentFish and Wildlife Service

Abstract

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), on January 30, 2026 (91 FR 4093), we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), published a Federal Register notice announcing that we are proposing a new information collection. After reviewing the initial comments, we are republishing the notice with additional clarifying information and reopening the comment period. Comments previously submitted on the original notice need not be resubmitted and will be fully considered in our development of the final information collection package.

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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 188 (Wednesday, September 30, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 188 (Wednesday, September 30, 2026)]
[Notices]
[Pages 61860-61862]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-19969]

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[Docket No. FWS-HQ-NWRS-2025-1397; FXRS126109WSMU-267-FF09R24000; OMB
Control Number 1018-NEW]

Agency Information Collection Activities; Interjurisdictional
Invasive Species Rapid Response Team Program

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of information collection; comment period reopening.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA),
on January 30, 2026 (91 FR 4093), we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (Service), published a Federal Register notice announcing that
we are proposing a new information collection. After reviewing the
initial comments, we are republishing the notice with additional
clarifying information and reopening the comment period. Comments
previously submitted on the original notice need not be resubmitted and
will be fully considered in our development of the final information
collection package.

DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before
November 30, 2026.
To ensure your comment is received and considered, you must submit
it using one of the methods identified in the ADDRESSES section of this
document. Comments submitted through any method not authorized in this
document, or sent to an address not listed here, will not be
considered.

ADDRESSES:
Comment submission: All submissions must include the docket number
FWS-HQ-NWRS-2025-1397 for this document (please reference 1018-IInSRR
in the subject line of your comment). You must submit comments using
one of the following methods:
<bullet> Electronic submission: Federal eRulemaking Portal at:
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. In the Search box, enter FWS-HQ-NWRS-2025-
1397, which is the docket number for this action. Then click the Search
button. On the resulting page, you may submit a comment by clicking on
``Comment.'' Please ensure that you have found the correct document
before submitting your comments.
<bullet> U.S. mail: Public Comments Processing, Attn: Docket No.
FWS-HQ-NWRS-2025-1397, Policy and Regulations Branch, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, MS: PRB (JAO/3W), 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church,
VA 22041-3803.
Comments submitted through any method not authorized in this
document, or sent to an address not listed here, will not be
considered. We will not accept comments via email, fax, or hand
delivery. We are not required to consider comments that are submitted
after the comment period ends or that are submitted via a method
outside of these instructions. Comments containing profanity,
vulgarity, threats, or other inappropriate content will not be
considered.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Madonna L. Baucum, Service Information
Collection Clearance Officer, by email at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#165f7870794955797a7a5670616538717960"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="85ccebe3eadac6eae9e9c5e3f2f6abe2eaf3">[email&#160;protected]</span></a>, or by
telephone at (703) 358-2503. Individuals in the United States who are
deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability may dial
711 (TTY, TDD, or TeleBraille) to access telecommunications relay
services. Individuals outside the United States should use the relay
services offered within their country to make international calls to
the point-of-contact in the United States.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction
Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and its implementing regulations at 5 CFR
part 1320, all information collections require approval. We may not
conduct or sponsor, and you are not required to respond to, a
collection of information unless it displays a currently valid Office
of Management and Budget (OMB) control number.
As part of our continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent
burdens, we are again inviting the public and other Federal agencies to
comment on new, proposed, revised, and continuing collections of
information. This helps us assess the impact of our information
collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. It
also helps the public understand our information collection
requirements and provide the requested data in the desired format.
We are especially interested in public comment addressing the
following:
(1) Whether or not the collection of information is necessary for
the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including
whether or not the information will have practical utility;
(2) The accuracy of our estimate of the burden for this collection
of information, including the validity of the methodology and
assumptions used;
(3) Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the
information to be collected; and
(4) How might the agency minimize the burden of the collection of
information on those who are to respond, including through the use of
appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological
collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g.,
permitting electronic submission of response.
Comments that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of
public record. Before including your address, phone number, email
address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you
should be aware that your entire comment--including your personal
identifying information--may be publicly available at any time. While
you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying
information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be
able to do so.
Abstract: The Department of the Interior (DOI) developed the
conceptual foundation for an Interjurisdictional Invasive Species Rapid
Response Team (IInSRRT) in 2023. Key authorities and frameworks
authorizing the IInSRRT include:
1. Executive Order (E.O.) 13112 (as amended by E.O. 13751)--This
order directs Federal agencies, including DOI, to prevent the
introduction of invasive species, detect and respond rapidly to new
invasions, and control and eradicate established invasive species. It
also mandates restoration of native species and habitats impacted by
invasive species.
2. National Invasive Species Council (NISC)--DOI is a leading
member of NISC, which coordinates federal efforts to address invasive
species. The Council provides national leadership and policy guidance
to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of federal responses.
3. The Fish and Wildlife Act (16 U.S.C. 742a-742k)--This law
establishes a policy for fish, shellfish, and wildlife resources in the
U.S. It protects and directs their management

[[Page 61861]]

to support sustainable use and prevent over-exploitation.
4. The National Invasive Species Act of 1996 (16 U.S.C. 4701 et
seq.)--This law prevents the introduction and spread of nonindigenous
aquatic nuisance species into the waters of the U.S. through mandated
regulations.
5. DOI Invasive Species Strategic Plan (2021-2025)--This strategic
plan outlines DOI's vision and coordinated approach to managing
invasive species across its bureaus. It emphasizes prevention, early
detection, rapid response, control, and restoration, while promoting
collaboration with Federal, State, Tribal, and private partners.
6. Bureau-Specific Authorities--Each DOI bureau (e.g., U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service)
has specific mandates and operational authority to manage invasive
species on the lands and waters they oversee. These efforts include
prevention, control, eradication, and restoration activities across
more than 500 million acres of public lands.
7. Cross-Agency Coordination--DOI works closely with other Federal
agencies (e.g., U.S. Department of Agriculture and Department of
Defense), State and Tribal governments, Territorial governments, and
nongovernmental partners to implement invasive species management
strategies and share resources.
Efforts are now underway to put that concept into action. An
IInSRRT coordinator will work across DOI and with partners to further
develop and implement the program for nationally significant incidents
warranting rapid response.
Rapid response to an early detection of an invasive species is one
of the most effective ways to prevent these invasive species from
becoming established and causing costly, long-term harm. Rapid response
is defined as a process employed to eradicate the founding population
of a non-native species from a specific location before it begins to
reproduce or spreads so widely that eradication is no longer feasible.
Capacity and funding to undertake rapid response can be limiting
factors in implementing rapid response actions.
The purpose of the IInSRRT program is to build capacity for rapid
response. The scope includes responding to new high-risk invasions of
national significance or to species that have made a significant
spatial jump from currently established locations, as appropriate to
the DOI mission, and across multiple jurisdictions within DOI
authorities. The program will increase resources available to support
rapid response actions through interjurisdictional deployment teams and
Incident Command System support. Importantly, this program builds on
successful rapid response models within DOI, such as the Service's
Invasive Species Strike Teams and the National Park Service's Invasive
Plant Management Teams, while supporting work on and off DOI managed
lands as requested by the lead resource management entity.
Response efforts will target new introductions to the U.S.,
including Alaska, Hawai[revaps]i, and U.S. territories, with a focus on
aquatic and terrestrial invasive plants and animals that threaten
nonagricultural systems. The focus also includes invasive species that
have jumped significant spatial gaps or would lead to significant harm
without intervention. Responses will not include pathogens at this
time.
The program structure is composed of the IInSRRT Coordinator, an
IInSRRT Guidance Group, and deployment team members. The Guidance Group
will provide guidance and support as needed and assist with planning,
communications, and overall program operations. The deployment team
will initially be composed of DOI employees that have technical skills
in rapid response and other relevant qualifications. The IInSRRT
program will assist in achieving management objectives flowing from the
National Early Detection and Rapid Response Framework and other local,
regional, and national efforts.
Consideration of deployment will occur when the lead agency or
agencies lack capacity and requests assistance. The application for
assistance from a lead entity will require justification and is subject
to approval by the IInSRRT Coordinator and IInSRRT Guidance Group. The
criteria to determine what merits a response and the process to request
the team will be developed by the IInSRRT Coordinator and Guidance
Group.
The IInSRRT program will request the following types of information
via the two forms described below:
1. Form 3-200-93, ``Application for IInSRRT Incident Assistance''
(New)--The Service proposes to collect the following categories of
information via Form 3-200-93:
A. Contact Information--Affiliation and point of contact
information, to include name, title, email, location, and phone number,
as well as the requestor response partner information (name, title,
affiliation, and email).
B. Incident Response Narrative--Narrative should include summaries
of the proposed goals and objectives of the incident response,
emphasizing urgency.
C. Invasive Species Description--The description should provide a
comprehensive overview of the species, including both its common and
scientific names. It should identify how and by whom (subject matter
expert) the species detection was verified, including photos of the
detected species from the invaded location. It should summarize the
impact of the species, particularly any effects on culturally
significant resources. The narrative should also include a brief
history of the species' global invasion, highlighting where and how it
spread. Finally, it should indicate whether this is the first known
occurrence of the species in the U.S. or specifically within the
affected region. The response should indicate whether the species
involved in the proposed incident response has undergone any formal
risk screenings or has been included in any horizon scans or watch
lists. If applicable, the narrative should list the specific screenings
or scans, along with their overall risk ratings (e.g., high risk,
moderate risk, low risk). Copies of the relevant documents should be
attached to the application to support the assessment.
D. Incident Response Location--The response should include the date
the invasive species was first detected, along with a summary of the
survey methods used to assess the extent of the introduction. This
should also note the number of surveys conducted. An approximate area,
in acres, where the species was found should be provided, including the
level of certainty regarding that estimate. The narrative should
describe the characteristics of the incident response location, such as
the types of habitats present. It should also state whether the
requesting entity is the land management authority for the proposed
response area and whether the area overlaps with any other land
management jurisdictions.
E. Response Details--The response should indicate whether any rapid
response plans are currently in place for either the invasive species
or the specific incident response location. It should include a summary
of the treatment or control methods proposed for managing the incident,
such as mechanical, chemical, or biological tools. Additionally, the
narrative should outline the resources available or needed--including
tools, staffing, and partner support--to effectively carry out the
response.
An estimated timeframe for addressing the incident should be
provided, along with the latest possible

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start date by which eradication is still considered feasible. This
estimate should reflect the applicant's best judgment and include their
level of certainty regarding that timeline. It also should include any
potential social or political support or opposition for the incident
response.
F. Compliance with Rules and Regulations--The response should
indicate whether any National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA; 42 U.S.C.
4321 et seq.) consultations have already been completed that are
applicable to the proposed incident response. If so, relevant
documentation should be attached. It should also state whether any NEPA
Categorical Exclusions may apply to the proposed activities.
Additionally, the narrative should address whether there are any
federally listed species or habitats within the proposed incident
response location. If applicable, the specific species and/or habitats
should be named.
The response should also confirm whether there are any historic or
potentially historic properties within the incident area that may
require consideration under the National Historic Preservation Act (16
U.S.C. 470 et seq.) or related laws. Finally, the narrative should
identify any other applicable compliance requirements--such as Federal,
State, or Tribal regulations--and describe any plans in place to
address them.
G. Post-response Plans--The response should indicate whether the
requesting entity has the resources and capacity to monitor the site
following the incident response. It should also include a summary of
the post-monitoring plan, outlining how the entity will assess whether
the invasive species has been successfully eradicated. This may include
details such as the frequency and duration of monitoring, survey
methods, and criteria for confirming eradication.
H. Supplementary Information and Required Map(s)--The response
should add any additional information that might be relevant to the
incident, not covered in the application. There should also be
supplementary materials attached, including required maps of the area
and photos of the invasive species from the response location.
We will use the information collected via Form 3-202-93 to consider
the application for rapid response to new invasive species and whether
the request is within the scope and feasibility for the IInSRRT program
to activate.
2. Form 3-202-58, ``Response Monitoring Report'' (New)--The Service
proposes to collect the following types of information via Form 3-202-
58:
A. Project name;
B. Lead entities;
C. Roles of all entities involved in the response;
D. Response timeline;
E. Overview of incident response;
F. Description, location, and timeline of actions taken;
G. Any natural, cultural, or economic resources (e.g., threatened
or endangered species, sensitive habitats, commercial operations) that
may have influenced the selection of response methods;
H. Barriers or challenges experienced, and contingency actions
taken;
I. Description of what worked well and why;
J. Summary of key issues and lessons learned;
K. Outcome of the incident response after 1 and 2 years; and
L. Description of any post-response actions conducted or planned,
including any data summaries that show the success of the response
after 1 and 2 years and any additional control measures applied to
eradicate the population.
We will use the information collected via Form 3-202-58 to monitor
the potential eradication of the target invasive species.
Copies of the updated draft Forms 3-200-93 and 3-202-58 are
available on <a href="http://Regulations.gov">Regulations.gov</a>(Docket No. FWS-HQ-NWRS-2025-1397) or by
sending a request to the Service Information Collection Clearance
Officer (see ADDRESSES, above).
Title of Collection: Interjurisdictional Invasive Species Rapid
Response Team Program.
OMB Control Number: 1018-New.
Form Number: Forms 3-200-93 and 3-202-58.
Type of Review: New.
Respondents/Affected Public: State, local, and Tribal governments.
Respondent's Obligation: Required to obtain or retain a benefit.
Frequency of Collection: On occasion for applications and
monitoring reports.
Total Estimated Annual Nonhour Burden Cost: None.

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Average
Average number Average number Average number completion Estimated
Requirement of annual of responses of annual time per annual burden
respondents each responses response hours
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Form 3-200-93, ``Application for IInSRRT Incident Assistance''
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Government...................... 20 1 20 8 160
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Form 3-202-58, ``Response Monitoring Report''
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Government...................... 2 2 4 60 240
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Totals...................... 22 .............. 24 .............. 400
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The authority for this action is the Paperwork Reduction Act of
1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).

Madonna Baucum,
Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-19969 Filed 9-29-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P

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