The work detailed in this proposal will benefit the USDA forest service by providing long-term and self-sustaining management of multiple invasive species across our forests and grasslands through the…

MIA Consulting LLC, a woman-owned small business, was awarded $400,200 under the Forest Health Protection program (CFDA 10.680) administered by the USDA Forest Service on September 4, 2025, with completion anticipated by January 31, 2028. The project focuses on long-term, self-sustaining management of invasive species across U.S. forests and grasslands through biological control. Primary deliverables include mass rearing and distribution of five biocontrol agents to focus areas throughout the United States, requiring specialized quarantine facilities for the biological control agents specified in the proposal.

Additional project activities encompass knowledge transfer and public engagement through the production of educational resources for the public and land managers, along with capacity building efforts that train the next generation of invasive species management specialists in integrated pest management techniques. These complementary services are designed to support widespread adoption of biological control technologies and enhance the technical capabilities of federal land management agencies and their partners in addressing priority invasive plant threats across diverse forest and grassland ecosystems.

The work detailed in this proposal will benefit the USDA forest service by providing long-term and self-sustaining management of multiple invasive species across our forests and grasslands through the use of biocontrol. Project activities include mass rearing 5 biocontrol agents for controlling priority invasive plants and shipping to focus areas in the U.S., information transfer through the production of resources for the public and land managers, public engagement through information sharing opportunities, and capacity building by training the next generation of specialists who will apply their skills in the U.S. This work requires specialized quarantine facilities to rear the biological control agents specified in the proposal.