Rules on invasive species stall; delay may be costly
By JIM LYNCH, The Detroit News
A year after the Asian carp’s threat to the Great Lakes threw a national spotlight on invasive species, critics say no definitive action on the issue’s two key focal points has been made.
Ballast water from oceangoing ships, considered the largest source of invasive species in the Great Lakes, remains largely unregulated. And the Mississippi River system, where the Asian carp is firmly entrenched, remains connected to the Great Lakes.
While there has been progress on both issues behind the scenes, conservationists say the pace is unacceptable and leaves the Great Lakes playing a game of Russian roulette year after year.
"Maybe another year or two of waiting doesn’t seem daunting, but if you get a new invasion of some species like zebra mussels that shows up in six months, then you could have a catastrophe on your hands," said Andy Buchsbaum, regional director of the National Wildlife Federation’s Great Lakes Regional Center.
For years, environmental groups pushed for federal laws that would have forced oceangoing ships to meet a discharge standard for ballast water released into the Great Lakes. According to some calculations, ballast water has been responsible for up to 80 percent of invasive species that have reached the lakes. And those species have an estimated $200 million-a-year impact on the region.
Invasive viruses have killed thousands of fish. Foreign species like the round goby crowd out native fish. And invasive crustaceans compete with native creatures for the same food.
Plants and industrial sites that utilize the region’s lakes are among the operations that have felt the impact of invasive species over the years. Many such operations are forced to clean water intake valves of creatures like the zebra mussel on a regular basis to maintain flow levels.
"We do it every year, and it costs us about $10,000 each time," said Chuck Bellmore, who operates Mount Clemens’ water filtration plant on the shore of Lake St. Clair. "We’ve been doing it now since 1991."
TURNING TO ALTERNATIVES
After a ballast proposal passed in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008, the legislation languished in the Senate, and no bill was ever enacted. In 2011, there are no new proposals for a sweeping federal bill.
In place of a legislative solution, efforts to control ballast water are moving forward on two administrative fronts. The U.S. Coast Guard is putting together regulations that set a numerical value on the number of organisms that can be discharged per cubic meter of water.
And Great Lakes states are crafting their own ballast rules that could set a discharge standard. Both approaches could require the use of new technologies to clean up water before it enters the Great Lakes.
But even in a best-case scenario, approval and enforcement are at least a year off.
Read the full story at link.
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What Triggers Mass Extinctions? Study Shows How Invasive Species Stop New Life
Courtesy of the National Science Foundation
An influx of invasive species can stop the dominant natural process of new species formation and trigger mass extinction events, according to research results published today in the journal PLoS ONE.
The study of the collapse of Earth's marine life 378 to 375 million years ago suggests that the planet's current ecosystems, which are struggling with biodiversity loss, could meet a similar fate.
Although Earth has experienced five major mass extinction events, the environmental crash during the Late Devonian was unlike any other in the planet's history.
The actual number of extinctions wasn't higher than the natural rate of species loss, but very few new species arose.
"We refer to the Late Devonian as a mass extinction, but it was actually a biodiversity crisis," said Alycia Stigall, a scientist at Ohio University and author of the PLoS ONE paper.
"This research significantly contributes to our understanding of species invasions from a deep-time perspective," said Lisa Boush, program director in the National Science Foundation (NSF)'s Division of Earth Sciences, which funded the research.
"The knowledge is critical to determining the cause and extent of mass extinctions through time, especially the five biggest biodiversity crises in the history of life on Earth. It provides an important perspective on our current biodiversity crises."
The research suggests that the typical method by which new species originate--vicariance--was absent during this ancient phase of Earth's history, and could be to blame for the mass extinction.
Vicariance occurs when a population becomes geographically divided by a natural, long-term event, such as the formation of a mountain range or a new river channel, and evolves into different species.
New species also can originate through dispersal, which occurs when a subset of a population moves to a new location.
In a departure from previous studies, Stigall used phylogenetic analysis, which draws on an understanding of the tree of evolutionary relationships to examine how individual speciation events occurred.
She focused on one bivalve, Leptodesma (Leiopteria), and two brachiopods, Floweria and Schizophoria (Schizophoria), as well as a predatory crustacean, Archaeostraca.
These small, shelled marine animals were some of the most common inhabitants of the Late Devonian oceans, which had the most extensive reef system in Earth's history.
The seas teemed with huge predatory fish such as Dunkleosteus, and smaller life forms such as trilobites and crinoids (sea lilies).
The first forests and terrestrial ecosystems appeared during this time; amphibians began to walk on land.
As sea levels rose and the continents closed in to form connected land masses, however, some species gained access to environments they hadn't inhabited before.
The hardiest of these invasive species that could thrive on a variety of food sources and in new climates became dominant, wiping out more locally adapted species.
The invasive species were so prolific at this time that it became difficult for many new species to arise.
"The main mode of speciation that occurs in the geological record is shut down during the Devonian," said Stigall. "It just stops in its tracks."
Of the species Stigall studied, most lost substantial diversity during the Late Devonian, and one, Floweria, became extinct.
The entire marine ecosystem suffered a major collapse. Reef-forming corals were decimated and reefs did not appear on Earth again for 100 million years.
The giant fishes, trilobites, sponges and brachiopods also declined dramatically, while organisms on land had much higher survival rates.
The study is relevant for the current biodiversity crisis, Stigall said, as human activity has introduced a high number of invasive species into new ecosystems.
In addition, the modern extinction rate exceeds the rate of ancient extinction events, including the event that wiped out the dinosaurs 65 million years ago.
"Even if you can stop habitat loss, the fact that we've moved all these invasive species around the planet will take a long time to recover from because the high level of invasions has suppressed the speciation rate substantially," Stigall said.
Maintaining Earth's ecosystems, she suggests, would be helped by focusing efforts and resources on protection of new species generation.
"The more we know about this process," Stigall said, "the more we will understand how to best preserve biodiversity."
The research was also funded by the American Chemical Society and Ohio University.
Read the story at link.
-NSF-
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Non-native Fish Species Identified in New Hampshire Waters
Concord, NH - The state departments of Environmental Services (DES) and Fish and Game announced today the discovery of the rosyside dace (Clinostomus funduloides), a non-native species of fish previously unknown in New Hampshire. The species was found inhabiting Hewes Brook, a tributary of the Connecticut River in Lyme. The discovery was made in summer 2010 by DES biologists during routine biological monitoring activities. The species’ identity was recently confirmed by three independent researchers. “While the origin of this species in New Hampshire is uncertain, it seems likely to have been introduced by human intervention,” said David Neils, DES biologist.
“The introduction of aquatic non-native species to New Hampshire waters presents a serious danger to the ecological integrity of our waterways, as well as our ability to enjoy them,” stated Thomas Burack, DES Commissioner. New Hampshire laws and administrative rules prohibit the introduction of non-native species. Specifically with regard to fish and wildlife, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department Administrative Rules control the possession and importation, and prohibit the release of, non-indigenous or non-naturalized fish species to New Hampshire waters. The same rules also prohibit the possession of live fish, other than approved baitfish species when leaving any freshwaters of the state.
“Anglers are unlikely to catch the rosyside dace using hook-and-line because of its small size, but incidental capture is possible by means of baitfish trapping,” said Jason Smith, Fish and Game biologist. Smith recommends that if fish caught are suspected to be the rosyside dace or any other non-native aquatic species previously undocumented in New Hampshire, individuals should immediately release them back into the waters from which they were captured, and contact either the Fish and Game Inland Fisheries Division (603-271-2501) or the DES biology section (603-271-8865).
“There is no indication at this point that the rosyside dace could cause recreational or economic problems; however, ecological impacts to the native fish community are possible depending on the ability of the species to expand its range and successfully propagate,” said Glenn Normandeau, Fish and Game Executive Director. At the time of sampling, 85 individuals were captured. However, based on observations, DES biologists estimated the population to be in the hundreds.
The rosyside dace is a member of the minnow family (Cyprinidae) and typically inhabits small streams with adults ranging from two to four inches in length. Its native distribution is recognized as extending from the Delaware River drainage in Pennsylvania to the Savannah River drainage in Georgia, as well as portions of the Ohio River basin. It is not known to occur in the Connecticut River or its tributaries, other than Hewes Brook, at this time.
Over the course of the next several months, biologists from both agencies will be working together to document where the rosyside dace occurs and to determine how it may have been introduced to New Hampshire. For more information, contact David Neils, DES senior biologist, at (603) 271-8865 or david.neils @ des.nh.gov .
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This message brought to you by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, 29 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03302. Comments or Questions can be directed to Jim Martin at james.martin @ des.nh.gov.
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Call for Abstracts
Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council’s
26th Annual Symposium, Maitland, Florida
May 17th – 20th, 2011
We invite abstract submissions for contributed oral or poster presentations at the 2011 FLEPPC Annual Symposium. This year’s theme is “Exotics on the Run: Leveling the Playing Field for Native Plants”. The meeting will be held Tuesday, May 17th through Friday, May 20th in Maitland, Florida, at the Sheraton North Hotel.
Deadline for Abstract Submissions: January 31, 2011
Program Topics: Submissions are welcome for any area of invasive plant species investigation, including but not limited to:
Ecology
Economics
Management
Restoration
Risk Assessment
Policy and Regulation
Evolutionary Biology
Interdisciplinary Projects
SUBMIT YOUR ABSTRACT ONLINE!
www.fleppc.org/Symposium/2011/abstactsubmission.html
Abstracts must include the following information:
• Title of the proposed paper
• Full name and professional title of the author, organization to which s/he belongs, mailing address, phone number(s), and email address
• If there are multiple authors, please provide the above information for each.
• Text of the abstract (limit of 400 words)
General rules regarding abstracts: Please do not include figures, tables or mathematical equations in the abstract. Use standard abbreviations for units of measure. Other abbreviations and acronyms should be spelled out in full at first mention, followed by the abbreviation/acronym in parentheses. If you use references, provide the journal, volume, year and page numbers.
A letter or notification of acceptance or rejection will be emailed to the author(s) no later than February 15th, 2011. Online submission of abstracts is strongly encouraged. If web access is not available, please submit abstracts to: Jessica Spencer, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 701 San Marco Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32207 904-232-1696 voice; Email: jessica.e.spencer @ usace.army.mil
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Showing posts with label New Hampshire. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Hampshire. Show all posts
Monday, January 17, 2011
Monday, January 11, 2010
Week of January 11, 2010
Updated 1/15. New articles are at the bottom of this week's blog.
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New Hampshire Lakes launches a new exotic weed control grant program
Thanks to Senator Judd Gregg, NH LAKES has secured federal funding to help lake associations and municipalities manage their exotic infestations in 2010. Matching grant awards of up to $5,000 will be available to assist local groups in their efforts to purchase or construct Diver Assisted Suction Harvesting systems, hire Certified Weed Control divers to harvest infestations, and implement other forms of non-chemical control.
For more information and to download a grant application, visit our website, email info@nhlakes.org, or call (603) 226-0299. Grant applications will be due in mid-February.
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Reptile restrictions to be voted on by Senate
by Laura Mandanas
Reporter Online
“All those snakes except for a boa constrictor can get huge. I mean ... an anaconda can get 20-30 feet. A Burmese python [subspecies of the Indian python] can get 20 feet. A rock python can get 20 feet. A reticulated python can get like 30-35 feet. For all that stuff, we wouldn't sell it to begin with. But now that the state's banned it, it means you can't sell it,” says Scott Oechsle, owner of Captive Life Forms in Spencerport. Together with his father, Gary, “The Reptile Guys” do live shows and sell reptiles to the greater Rochester and western New York area. Oechsle continues, “Banning the importation of those bigger ones aren't a big deal ... Stuff like that, your general public shouldn't have.”
The snakes Oechsle is talking about are those included in U.S. Senate Bill S. 373, a piece of legislation that would ban importation and interstate commerce of certain species of snakes. These species are:
* Indian Python (Python molurus)
* African Rock Python (Python sebae)
* Southern African Python (Python natalensis)
* Reticulated Python (Python/Broghammerus reticulatus)
* Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor)
* Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus)
* Yellow Anaconda (Eunectes notaeus)
* Beni or Bolivian Anaconda (Eunectes beniensis)
* DeSchauensee’s Anaconda (Eunectes deschauenseei)
In New York, most of these snakes have already been banned by the state for some time; boa constrictors are the only species listed that are traded regularly in New York state, according to Oechsle. On a national level, however, there are no such restrictions in place. With many owning the giant snakes as pets, a good number of reptile enthusiasts are putting up a fight.
Behind the Bill
Introduced by Florida Democrat Bill Nelson, S. 373 is a bill intended to protect the Florida Everglades, which have been invaded by non-native Burmese pythons. In the subtropical climate, these pythons have found ample prey, including animals appearing on endangered species watch lists. Before a Congressional committee, Nelson testified that it is necessary to specifically include these snakes in the prohibitions listed in the Lacey Act, which prohibits interstate or foreign trade of any fish, wildlife or plant in violation of any law, treaty or regulation of the United States or of any Indian tribal law, in order to reduce the number of pythons released into the wild by pet owners who don't understand what caring for a python really entails.
Read the full story at link.
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Adirondack Invasive Species Steward Job
The Nature Conservancy is the world’s leading conservation organization, working in all 50 states and more than 33 countries. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
This Stewardship position provides hands-on exposure to all aspects of the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program’s invasive species prevention and management work throughout the Adirondack region.
Lead Projects: The lead projects will focus on invasive species surveys and management within the Adirondack region. Working with the APIPP Terrestrial and Aquatic Invasive Species Project Coordinators and conservation partners, the steward will be involved in surveying, management, and public outreach on a variety of projects throughout the region. Half the amount of time will be spent assisting the Terrestrial Coordinator with early detection and control of terrestrial invasive plant infestations, and the other half of time will be spent assisting the Aquatic Coordinator with aquatic plant surveys and management at priority sites.
a) Surveying: Directly assist with early detection surveys throughout the Adirondack region within NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Preserve lands and waters, NYS Department of Transportation Right-of-Ways, wetlands and private lands. Validate, document and measure new infestations via hand-held GPS unit, survey forms and photo-documentation.
b) Management: Directly assist with implementing best management practices to contain, suppress and eradicate terrestrial invasive plant infestations. Duties to include manual management, release of biocontrols and preparatory work for approved herbicidal controls. Assist with the secure containment and disposal of gleaned invasive plant materials. Assistance with aquatic invasive plant management efforts may include providing topside assistance with SCUBA hand-harvesting efforts.
c) Public Outreach: Through daily course of work provide public outreach at invasive species worksites and at prescribed events throughout the Adirondack region, e.g., Invasive Species Awareness Week, and as special opportunities arise.
General: The steward will work closely with APIPP staff and principal partners and will report directly to the Terrestrial and Aquatic Project Coordinators. In addition to the listed duties, there will be vehicle, tools and equipment maintenance and other work as needed as summer work priorities evolve, and as the steward’s interests dictate. Work will be primarily in the field in all sorts of weather, sometimes in remote locations with rugged terrain. The steward is expected to work independently as well as with APIPP partners and the public.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
-College Sophomore and 6 months of related experience (can be a combination of past job experience, academic work, volunteer work, etc)
-Experience using MS office, Word and Excel, and navigating the Internet
ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION
This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with the Conservancy's Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers.
Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.
Desired Qualifications
-Demonstrated interest in conservation issues
-Strong science background; coursework in botany, terrestrial ecology and basic aquatic ecology
-Well-organized and flexible
-Motivated self-starter, able to work independently with minimal direction
-Enjoys working outdoors, sometimes in adverse weather conditions
-Comfortable handling a canoe
-Good written and oral communication skills
-Basic working knowledge of safe operation of hand and power tools
-Comfortable driving a large 4-wheel drive pickup truck
-Ability to utilize GPS
Dates and Compensation
-May 17-September 17, 2010, 18 weeks total; flexible depending on the availability of the successful candidate
-$11/hour, plus mileage reimbursement if steward uses his/her own vehicle for work-related travel (no reimbursement for daily commute to office)
-Housing is not provided
APPLY HERE
Application deadline: March 17, 2010
EOE STATEMENT
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Invasives on Adirondack Park Agency agenda
RAY BROOK, NY - The state Adirondack Park Agency will meet at 9 a.m. Thursday, January 14, at its headquarters. The State Land Committee will meet at 3 p.m., and receive an update on the inter-agency guidelines for invasive species management on state land. The meeting will be webcast live at www.apa.state.ny.us.
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Obama administration's stand on carp criticized
By Dan Egan of the Journal Sentinel
President Barack Obama staked his claim as the Great Lakes president during the heat of the 2008 campaign when he pledged to pump billions of dollars into a restoration plan for the lakes while at the same time champion a "zero tolerance" policy for new invasive species.
That "zero" is starting to look like a political bull's-eye for conservationists and regional politicians critical of the Obama administration's decision Tuesday to oppose efforts by a coalition of five Great Lakes states to force Illinois and the Army Corps of Engineers to do more to protect Lake Michigan from what many fear is an imminent invasion of the jumbo carp that could ravage the Great Lakes' $7 billion fishery.
"It is inexcusable that the administration has decided to side with their political allies in the state of Illinois to protect the narrow interests of their state, while the rest of the Great Lakes region and federal taxpayers will be forced to deal with the carp entering the lakes," said Rep. Candice S. Miller (R-Mich.).
Conservationists who weeks ago were aglow over Obama's billion-dollar plan for the Great Lakes were in a different mood Wednesday. They said it all might mean money down the drain if the administration doesn't recognize the threat carp pose to the lakes and take - or at least not oppose - action to close some navigational locks considered the last thing standing between the carp and Lake Michigan.
"The Obama administration has miscalculated the threat Asian carp pose to the Great Lakes," said Andy Buchsbaum, regional executive director of the National Wildlife Federation's Great Lakes Regional Center. "Without immediate action, an invasion of Asian carp will unravel many of the president's Great Lakes initiatives."
Read the full story at link.
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Register today for the 2010 Aquatic Weed Control Short Course!
Earn up to 20 CEUs!
May 3-6, 2010
Coral Springs Marriott
Coral Springs, Florida
www.conference.ifas.ufl.edu/aw
Mark your calendar and plan to take part in the 2010 Aquatic Weed Short Course to be held May 3-6, 2010 at the Coral Springs Marriott Hotel, Golf Club, and Convention Center in Coral Springs, FL.
The short course is designed to benefit those new to the industry and experienced professionals seeking a comprehensive update. Topics include:
• General Standards (CORE) Training
• Pesticide Application Equipment Calibration Training
• Plant Identification
• Aquatic Pest Control Category Training
• Natural Areas Weed Management Training
• Right-of-Way Weed Management Training
Register Online Today!
Registration is now available for the 2010 Aquatic Weed Control Short Course. Be sure that your organization is budgeted to attend this valuable training.
Early Reduced Registration Fee
(By February 26, 2010) $235.00
Regular Registration Fee
(By April 12, 2010) $285.00
Late Registration Fee
(After April 12, 2010) $335.00
Student Registration Fee
$110.00
CLICK HERE to register today!
The registration fee, combined with funds contributed by our generous sponsors, provides each attendee with the educational program, course materials, a book of presentations, morning, mid-day and afternoon refreshments, and Tuesday evening's welcome reception.
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NC group urges fight against pest plants
The Associated Press
A North Carolina group watching the spread of environment-changing foreign plants wants to declare war on the invaders.
For a week beginning Sunday, the North Carolina Exotic Plant Pest Council wants people to focus on invasive species.
Plant Pest Council President Rick Iverson says kudzu is probably the invasive plant that most people know best, but it's so widespread that it can't be stopped.
Iverson says it's time to look out for the next kudzu and stop it from spreading before it becomes a serious problem. The group says early detection gives eradication measures better chances for success.
The Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council has information on invasive plants, what they look like and the problems they create on its Web site.
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On the Net:
Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council: http://www.se-eppc.org
Read the story at link.
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Insect pests outlast frigid weather in mountains
ASHEVILLE, NC — January's deep freeze won't put much of a dent in pest populations come spring. Ticks, chiggers, fleas and even fire ants spreading from the south will still come out to bite, specialists say.
It also won't have much of an effect on foreign invasive pests such as the disastrous hemlock woolly adelgid and that old Southern staple: pine beetles.
“Insects that we have here are adapted to surviving our winters,” said Linda Blue, an agent with the Buncombe County Cooperative Extension Service. “Yes, it's much colder than we've been used to, but nothing out of our range. We're rated for as low as 10 below.”
Asheville posted five consecutive days from Jan. 2 through Wednesday when highs stayed below 30 degrees, but that's still short of the record of eight consecutive days below freezing set in December 1995, according to the National Climatic Data Center.
Insects survive the winter by burrowing deep underground where temperatures remain steady.
Even fire ants, an invasive species that have spread up from Alabama into North Carolina, then west into the mountains, are largely immune to routine cold, explained Steve Bambara, an extension entomologist with N.C. State University.
Studies suggest that several weeks with temperatures reaching 10 below could put a halt to fire ant colonies, which have steadily marched into most North Carolina counties from more tropical climates. “But we don't see that much,” Bambara said. “Where we started having outdoor ice skating, then that would probably kill some ants.”
Read the full story at link.
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FLEPPC’s Kathy Craddock Burks Education Grant
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS – FY2010
Program Description and Eligibility
The Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council is soliciting grant proposals for non-native invasive plant education and outreach projects in Florida. The intent of these grants is to provide funding to organizations or individuals who will educate Floridians about non-native invasive plants and their influences on the environment and economy of Florida. Proposals will be accepted from individuals, public or private nonprofit organizations, and academic institutions.
Evaluation Criteria
Award preference will be given to proposals that meet the following criteria:
• Involve plants listed as Category-I species on the FLEPPC 2009 List of Invasive Plant Species, found on www.fleppc.org (projects involving Category-II species will also be considered);
• Include an educational message that will reach a large segment of the community;
• Heighten community awareness about non-native invasive plant identification, management, prevention, environmental and/or economic impacts;
• Involve an active component (passive programs such as signs, brochures or websites should be enhanced to promote an event or an action involving the target audience);
• Include an evaluation of project success;
• Demonstrate matching funds or in-kind contributions;
• Include partnerships (please specify type and degree of involvement for partner entities);
• Include a detailed timeline of grant activities.
• First time applicants and new/startup projects will be given preference, although repeat applicants and established programs will be considered.
Application instructions and further information may be found on the FLEPPC website (www.fleppc.org). Grants may not be used to fund food or beverages, capital expense items (sprayers, chain saws, machinery, herbicide), overhead costs (e.g., electricity) or large-scale herbicide application activities. Requests for funding should not exceed $1,000.00 and all funds awarded are to be used within one year of receipt. If full funding is not available, partial funding may be awarded. Applicant/organization must present a summary of results at the FLEPPC annual meeting (poster or presentation) or provide a summary article for possible inclusion in Wildland Weeds magazine. The FLEPPC Education Grant Committee reserves the right to review all publications resulting from its funding (prior to printing or distribution) for accuracy.
The deadline for proposal submission is 5PM on February 1, 2010.
The FLEPPC Education Committee will review all applications. Winners will be announced in April 2010 at FLEPPC’s annual conference, held this year in Crystal River, FL.
For further information, contact:
Jennifer Possley
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Email: jpossley@fairchildgarden.org
Phone: 305-667-1651, ext. 3433
Fax: 305-665-8032
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USDA announces additional funding to control the Asian Longhorned Beetle in Massachusetts
WASHINGTON, Jan. 11, 2010 -- Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the availability of $41.5 million in emergency funding to prevent the spread of the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) in Massachusetts.
"The USDA, along with our key partners in Massachusetts, has worked hard to contain and the Asian longhorned beetle, an invasive pest that has the potential to devastate our forests and backyard trees," Vilsack said. "These additional funds will allow for a more aggressive approach to ensure ALB does not spread to other areas in New England."
The emergency funding will be used in Massachusetts to increase tree surveys in order to determine the extent of the infestation, expand the use of treatments to reduce the beetle population and ensure the timely removal of infested trees.
"I have been to Massachusetts, seen the impact of ALB on communities and spoken to lawmakers and residents directly affected because I wanted to hear the concerns of many partners working with us in this effort," Vilsack added. "With this funding, USDA reinforces our shared goal of stopping this destructive pest and protecting valued resources."
Read the full story at link.
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Phragmites partners with microbes to plot native plants' demise
ScienceDaily (Dec. 28, 2009) — University of Delaware researchers have uncovered a novel means of conquest employed by the common reed, Phragmites australis, which ranks as one of the world's most invasive plants.
The invasive strain, which hails from Eurasia, overtakes its "native" cousin, which has lived in North America for the past 10,000 years, ironically by provoking the native plant to "take itself out," through a combination of microbial and enzymatic activity in the soil.
The research by an interdisciplinary UD team led by Harsh Bais, assistant professor of plant and soil sciences, is reported in the December issue of the scientific journal Plant Physiology and also is highlighted in one of the journal's editorials.
Bais's co-authors include postdoctoral researchers Gurdeep Bains and Amutha Sampath Kumar in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources; Thimmaraju Rudrappa, a former UD postdoctoral researcher who is now a research scientist at DuPont; Emily Alff, an undergraduate who became involved in the study through a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) fellowship; and Thomas Hanson, associate professor of marine biosciences in the College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment.
In previous research, a team led by Bais determined that Phragmites employs a strategy known as allelopathy, in which plants release toxic chemicals into the soil to deter other plants from growing close to them.
In soil studies at the Delaware Biotechnology Institute, a premier center for life sciences research at UD, the scientists discovered that invasive Phragmites produces elevated levels of a benign compound, a precursor of gallic acid known as gallotannin, relative to its native cousin.
However, when this gallotannin, a polymeric phenol, is attacked by tannase produced through enzymatic activity by native plants and rhizospheric microbes, toxic gallic acid is produced and released in the root zone, exacerbating the invasive Phragmites' noxiousness.
"The tannins are like partners in crime in the process," Bais said.
He noted that Hanson and Kumar collected microbes present on the root surface of the plants and revealed that the "bugs" cleave the polymer (gallotannin) to release the monomer (gallic acid) because the microbes are using the tannins as a carbon source.
"It's like a two-way highway," Bais said, "the plant is working with bacteria to secrete gallic acid into the soil."
Bais says that the microbial population is the same in the native versus the invasive Phragmites. The invasive variety simply secretes more gallotannins into the soil than its native cousin, putting the native plant at a disadvantage in turf battles between the two strains.
Phragmites has overtaken millions of acres of wetlands in the United States, thanks to the aggressive, invasive strain of the plant that came on the scene some 200 years ago from Eurasia.
The exotic species has displaced the non-aggressive native variety of the plant, relegating the native strain to isolated patches and wetland margins along the Atlantic coast.
"Now we have a way to remedy the sick soil," Bais said. "After years of research, we have identified a mechanism that may lead to a solution to the Phragmites invasion."
The research was supported by the University of Delaware Research Foundation (UDRF). Gurdeep Bains's involvement in the study was made possibly by a BOYSCAST Fellowship from the Department of Science and Technology, India.
Adapted from materials provided by University of Delaware. Original article written by Tracey Bryant.
University of Delaware (2009, December 28). Phragmites partners with microbes to plot native plants' demise. ScienceDaily. Retrieved January 12, 2010, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2009/12/091223125135.htm
Photo above: Members of the UD research team with Phragmites plants are, from left, Emily Alff, undergraduate researcher; Prof. Harsh Bais, who led the study; Amutha Sampath Kumar, postdoctoral researcher; and Prof. Thomas Hanson. (Credit: Image courtesy of University of Delaware)
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Old technology coming out of the closet
Jan 12, 2010 10:51 AM, By Elton Robinson, Farm Press Editorial Staff
It’s almost like weed control has been transported back to the 1980s, what with all the cold steel, post-directed rigs, hooded sprayers and residual herbicides becoming more prominent in the arsenal.
As glyphosate-resistant weeds continue to march across the Mid-South, many farmers are being forced to pull old weed control technology out of the grass patch.
For some, it’s almost like weed control has been transported back to the 1980s, what with all the cold steel, post-directed rigs, hooded sprayers and residual herbicides becoming more prominent in the arsenal.
And weed control costs are rising, too, as well as a critical importance on application timing, both of which came into focus during the weird growing season of 2009, when wet weather prevented so many timely applications.
A resistant pigweed problem got so bad for Gunnison, Miss., producer Kenneth Hood this season that he had to plow under some soybean acres infested with it “after I threw everything I could at them and couldn’t control them.
“It’s unbelievable how thick they have become since my last disking. If that is any indication of what I’ve got to fight next year, I hate to think.”
Cold steel is not the only old technology pulled out of the closet the last two years, Hood says. “We’ve hand-weeded and spot-sprayed weeds by hand. We never stopped our post-directed applications. We just went out and tried to control those spots in the field where resistant weeds escaped our traditional applications.”
Hood estimates that the additional trips and labor has increased his cost of production by about $30 an acre, “and we’ve hurt yields and quality as well. Weeds will choke up cotton pickers and combines, and hurt the quality of your crops. Resistance is a broader spectrum problem than we think about.”
Weeds in the Mid-South with documented glyphosate resistance include johnsongrass, horseweed, common ragweed, Palmer amaranth (pigweed) and Italian ryegrass.
Read the full story at link.
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Researchers learn why invasive plants spreading so rapidly in forests
UNIVERSITY PARK, PA. -- Invasive plants are advancing into Eastern forests at an alarming rate, and the rapid spread has been linked by researchers in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences to forest road maintenance and the type of dirt and stone used on roads.
Perhaps predictably, according to David Mortensen, a professor of weed ecology who has been studying the spread of invasive plants for nearly two decades, humans are unwittingly accelerating the relentless march of invasives into even isolated forests. The findings are especially significant in the face of massive forest road-building efforts expected to support greatly expanded natural-gas drilling operations into the Marcellus shale formation. Hundreds or even thousands of gas wells could be established in Eastern forests in the next few years, depending on the market price of gas.
Forest roads facilitate the spread of invasive plants
In a paper titled "Forest Roads Facilitate the Spread of Invasive Plants," published in the August 2009 issue of Invasive Plant Science and Management, Mortensen detailed some eye-opening revelations about the process by which invasive plants advance so quickly.
"Roads can play a profound role in the spread and growth of invasive species by serving as corridors for movement and by providing prime habitat for establishment," Mortensen explained. "For example, forest managers have reported that the borders of hundreds of miles of forest roads have been invaded by Japanese stiltgrass in a period of less than 10 years."
As part of his research, Mortensen -- who was assisted by post-doctoral researcher Emily Rauschert and doctoral candidate Andrea Nord -- performed a large-scale survey of the presence and abundance of 13 invasive plants and found that the most abundant species, Microstegium (Japanese stiltgrass) is strongly associated with proximity to roads. He then focused his attention on trying to determine the reasons and devise a strategy to slow the spread.
The researchers discovered, to their amazement, that Japanese stiltgrass on its own does not spread quickly. To better understand why the invasive plant is achieving such a high rate of spread in Eastern forests, they deliberately introduced Microstegium patches in a forested site similar to the one in which the survey was conducted and allowed patches to naturally expand over four years before controlling all patches.
"Through this multi-year study, we found the natural spread rate was surprisingly slow, several orders of magnitude slower than that observed by the forest managers we work with," Mortensen said. "We also found that spread was greatest in habitats adjacent to forest roads.
"It is clear that the rates of spread occurring in forests throughout the study region are aided by management practices such as road grading, which is employed frequently to maintain the dirt and gravel roads."
Japanese stiltgrass seed becomes mixed with the dirt and gravel and then is carried along as graders push the crushed stone to fill holes and smooth road surfaces. Mortensen also suspects invasive plant seeds may be picked up and transported by equipment, so he suggests spread could be limited by carefully cleaning the undersides of construction vehicles and other machines before they travel from one road job to another.
Management suggestions
"Management of this troublesome invasive can be enhanced with a multifaceted, integrated approach," he said. "Particular attention should be paid to infestations that serve as sources for seed dispersal into uninvaded or environmentally sensitive areas. The primary vectors of long-distance dispersal, such as road maintenance activities or vehicle traffic, should be identified and mitigating steps taken. Finally, it is important to minimize road-edge disturbance to the extent possible, as such disturbance provides an ideal seedbed for the newly dispersed Microstegium seed."
Perhaps the most startling finding of Mortensen's research relates to the nature of dirt and gravel on forest roads that enables invasive plants such as Japanese stiltgrass to thrive.
"The crushed limestone used to surface many forest roads and to line culverts and drains along those roads are creating ideal conditions for the invasives to spread rapidly," he said. "The high alkalinity sediment from the stone, mixed with water running off the roads during storms, eventually spills out into the forests, carrying invasive plant seeds and creating areas for them to grow quickly. The high alkalinity prevents native plants that have become adapted to acidic forest soils from growing, and invasives such as Japanese stiltgrass fill the void."
Ironically, the crushed limestone is being used on many forest roads and in ditches and drains that parallel mountain streams precisely because the material leaches a high-alkalinity slurry that improves the productivity and water chemistry of the streams. That benefits the wild trout and other aquatic organisms that have suffered in many mountain streams after decades of acidic atmospheric deposition (acid rain).
"That only complicates the battle against the spread of invasive plants into Eastern forests and shows the interconnected nature of ecosystems," Mortensen said. "But measures need to be taken to slow the spread of invasive plants such as Microstegium, because over the long run they will change the nature of our plant communities by outcompeting native plants."
Read the story at link.
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PEST ALERT: Chinese creeper or bittervine, Mikania micrantha, an invasive vine new to the continental United States
Mikania micrantha Kunth, a vine in the Compositae (Asteraceae) family, was recently detected in Miami-Dade County by Keith Bradley of the Institute for Regional Conservation. Through further surveys, additional patches have been found, all within a 5.5 mi. swath through the Redlands area of Homestead. The populations have mostly been found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and woodlots, but at least one nursery is infested, as is one residential landscape. Most of the infestations are small, but a larger one, 100 ft. square, has been seen as well. This plant has not previously been reported to be established in the continental United States, although it is native in Puerto Rico (Liogier, 1997). It is a serious agricultural and environmental weed, particularly in the Old World tropics, and is included on the Noxious Weed Lists of the USDA and several states, including Florida.
Read the Pest Alert at link.
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Shipping map tracks invasive species stowaways
Written by Megan Treacy on 13/01/10
Invasive species can have catastrophic effects on an ecosystem. From algae to jellyfish, ports around the world are faced with a problem, but first, it's necessary to understand how the problem got there.
Researchers at the Carl von Ossietzky University in Oldenburg, Germany set out to crack the case of marine invasive species. Where are they coming from and how did they get there? They knew that many small species hitch a ride in the ballast water of cargo ships, so they plotted the course of 16,363 ships during 2007 to look for connections.
Before now, it was assumed that invasive species were more likely coming from nearby ports, but researchers discovered that wasn't the case.
They found that container ships follow regular routes, but oil tankers and dry bulk carriers often change routes. Container ships tend to travel quickly and don't spend long at port. On the other hand, oil tankers and dry bulk carriers travel more slowly, spend more time at port and exchange ballast water more often due to the fact that they spend a lot of time traveling without cargo, making them important to watch.
From their analysis they were able to find the world's most connected ports which would be the most prone to the introduction of invasive species. They compiled a list of 20 with the top five being the Panama Canal, the Suez Canal, Shanghai, Singapore and Antwerp.
Hopefully this new data will help affected ports monitor these stowaways and come up with an environmentally responsible plan. As is the case with all informational maps, they add to our understanding of a problem, which usually helps create a solution.
Read the story at link.
via AFP.
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New York students improving Treasure Coast environment
HOBE SOUND, FL — Fourteen students from a New York college are spending the last week of their winter break on the Treasure Coast [Florida].
But instead of volleyballs, sunscreen and bottles ofbeer, they’re wielding pruning saws, loppers and bottles of herbicide.
Throughout this week, the students from Purchase College, a part of the State University of New York in Purchase, N.Y., are helping eradicate invasive plant species on public lands. Tuesday morning they were cutting Brazilian pepper shrubs and dosing the stumps in Blowing Rocks Preserve, a 73-acre natural area owned by the Nature Conservancy. They’ll also work at Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Hobe Sound and at Fort Pierce Inlet State Park in St. Lucie County.
“I like giving back to the community,” said Evan Gmora, a 21-year-old senior from Islip, N.Y., “even if it’s not my own community.”
Mike Renda, a biologist at the preserve showing the students the how-tos of invasive eradication, called the students “the kind of people who will always be involved with helping their communities. That’s something that will stick with them all their lives. If it wasn’t for these kids, we’d probably have to contract out this work, so they’re saving (the preserve) a lot of money.”
The students’ visit coincides with National Invasive Plants Week, an effort not only to strip land of invasives, but to spread the word to private landowners that they need to do their part, too.
Read the full story at link.
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2010 Invasive Plant Calendar
The Alien Plant Working Group has a printable 2010 Calendar and links to online calendars with invasive species conferences, workshops and other events.
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Supreme Court To Hear Asian Carp Debate
posted by: Michigan News Network on Fri. Jan. 15 2010
MICHIGAN ATTORNEY GENERAL MIKE COX GOES BEFORE THE U-S SUPREME COURT TODAY (FRI 1/15/10) TO JUSTIFY WHY THE STATE OF ILLINOIS SHOULD BE FORCED TO KEEP AN INVASIVE SPECIES OUT OF THE GREAT LAKES. MICHIGAN AND AT LEAST FOUR OTHER GREAT LAKES STATES WANT THE HIGH COURT TO IMMEDIATELY CLOSE CHICAGO-AREA WATERWAYS CONTAINING ASIAN CARP. COX SAYS THE INVASIVE SPECIES HAS THE POTENTIAL TO DECIMATE THE REGION’S SEVEN-BILLION-DOLLAR FISHING INDUSTRY AND AFFECT THE 800-THOUSAND MICHIGAN JOBS CONNECTED TO THE HEALTH OF THE LAKES. COX ARGUES THAT, UNDER A RECENT WATER DIVERSION PACT, THE STATE OF ILLINOIS IS OBLIGATED TO CLOSE LOCKS IN A LOCAL CANAL TO PROTECT THE GREAT LAKES. LAST WEEK, THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION FILED A BRIEF WITH THE U-S SUPREME COURT OPPOSING THE EFFORT FOR SAFETY AND COMMERCE REASONS.
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New Hampshire Lakes launches a new exotic weed control grant program
Thanks to Senator Judd Gregg, NH LAKES has secured federal funding to help lake associations and municipalities manage their exotic infestations in 2010. Matching grant awards of up to $5,000 will be available to assist local groups in their efforts to purchase or construct Diver Assisted Suction Harvesting systems, hire Certified Weed Control divers to harvest infestations, and implement other forms of non-chemical control.
For more information and to download a grant application, visit our website, email info@nhlakes.org, or call (603) 226-0299. Grant applications will be due in mid-February.
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Reptile restrictions to be voted on by Senate
by Laura Mandanas
Reporter Online
“All those snakes except for a boa constrictor can get huge. I mean ... an anaconda can get 20-30 feet. A Burmese python [subspecies of the Indian python] can get 20 feet. A rock python can get 20 feet. A reticulated python can get like 30-35 feet. For all that stuff, we wouldn't sell it to begin with. But now that the state's banned it, it means you can't sell it,” says Scott Oechsle, owner of Captive Life Forms in Spencerport. Together with his father, Gary, “The Reptile Guys” do live shows and sell reptiles to the greater Rochester and western New York area. Oechsle continues, “Banning the importation of those bigger ones aren't a big deal ... Stuff like that, your general public shouldn't have.”
The snakes Oechsle is talking about are those included in U.S. Senate Bill S. 373, a piece of legislation that would ban importation and interstate commerce of certain species of snakes. These species are:
* Indian Python (Python molurus)
* African Rock Python (Python sebae)
* Southern African Python (Python natalensis)
* Reticulated Python (Python/Broghammerus reticulatus)
* Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor)
* Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus)
* Yellow Anaconda (Eunectes notaeus)
* Beni or Bolivian Anaconda (Eunectes beniensis)
* DeSchauensee’s Anaconda (Eunectes deschauenseei)
In New York, most of these snakes have already been banned by the state for some time; boa constrictors are the only species listed that are traded regularly in New York state, according to Oechsle. On a national level, however, there are no such restrictions in place. With many owning the giant snakes as pets, a good number of reptile enthusiasts are putting up a fight.
Behind the Bill
Introduced by Florida Democrat Bill Nelson, S. 373 is a bill intended to protect the Florida Everglades, which have been invaded by non-native Burmese pythons. In the subtropical climate, these pythons have found ample prey, including animals appearing on endangered species watch lists. Before a Congressional committee, Nelson testified that it is necessary to specifically include these snakes in the prohibitions listed in the Lacey Act, which prohibits interstate or foreign trade of any fish, wildlife or plant in violation of any law, treaty or regulation of the United States or of any Indian tribal law, in order to reduce the number of pythons released into the wild by pet owners who don't understand what caring for a python really entails.
Read the full story at link.
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Adirondack Invasive Species Steward Job
The Nature Conservancy is the world’s leading conservation organization, working in all 50 states and more than 33 countries. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
This Stewardship position provides hands-on exposure to all aspects of the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program’s invasive species prevention and management work throughout the Adirondack region.
Lead Projects: The lead projects will focus on invasive species surveys and management within the Adirondack region. Working with the APIPP Terrestrial and Aquatic Invasive Species Project Coordinators and conservation partners, the steward will be involved in surveying, management, and public outreach on a variety of projects throughout the region. Half the amount of time will be spent assisting the Terrestrial Coordinator with early detection and control of terrestrial invasive plant infestations, and the other half of time will be spent assisting the Aquatic Coordinator with aquatic plant surveys and management at priority sites.
a) Surveying: Directly assist with early detection surveys throughout the Adirondack region within NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Preserve lands and waters, NYS Department of Transportation Right-of-Ways, wetlands and private lands. Validate, document and measure new infestations via hand-held GPS unit, survey forms and photo-documentation.
b) Management: Directly assist with implementing best management practices to contain, suppress and eradicate terrestrial invasive plant infestations. Duties to include manual management, release of biocontrols and preparatory work for approved herbicidal controls. Assist with the secure containment and disposal of gleaned invasive plant materials. Assistance with aquatic invasive plant management efforts may include providing topside assistance with SCUBA hand-harvesting efforts.
c) Public Outreach: Through daily course of work provide public outreach at invasive species worksites and at prescribed events throughout the Adirondack region, e.g., Invasive Species Awareness Week, and as special opportunities arise.
General: The steward will work closely with APIPP staff and principal partners and will report directly to the Terrestrial and Aquatic Project Coordinators. In addition to the listed duties, there will be vehicle, tools and equipment maintenance and other work as needed as summer work priorities evolve, and as the steward’s interests dictate. Work will be primarily in the field in all sorts of weather, sometimes in remote locations with rugged terrain. The steward is expected to work independently as well as with APIPP partners and the public.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
-College Sophomore and 6 months of related experience (can be a combination of past job experience, academic work, volunteer work, etc)
-Experience using MS office, Word and Excel, and navigating the Internet
ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION
This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with the Conservancy's Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers.
Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.
Desired Qualifications
-Demonstrated interest in conservation issues
-Strong science background; coursework in botany, terrestrial ecology and basic aquatic ecology
-Well-organized and flexible
-Motivated self-starter, able to work independently with minimal direction
-Enjoys working outdoors, sometimes in adverse weather conditions
-Comfortable handling a canoe
-Good written and oral communication skills
-Basic working knowledge of safe operation of hand and power tools
-Comfortable driving a large 4-wheel drive pickup truck
-Ability to utilize GPS
Dates and Compensation
-May 17-September 17, 2010, 18 weeks total; flexible depending on the availability of the successful candidate
-$11/hour, plus mileage reimbursement if steward uses his/her own vehicle for work-related travel (no reimbursement for daily commute to office)
-Housing is not provided
APPLY HERE
Application deadline: March 17, 2010
EOE STATEMENT
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Invasives on Adirondack Park Agency agenda
RAY BROOK, NY - The state Adirondack Park Agency will meet at 9 a.m. Thursday, January 14, at its headquarters. The State Land Committee will meet at 3 p.m., and receive an update on the inter-agency guidelines for invasive species management on state land. The meeting will be webcast live at www.apa.state.ny.us.
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Obama administration's stand on carp criticized
By Dan Egan of the Journal Sentinel
President Barack Obama staked his claim as the Great Lakes president during the heat of the 2008 campaign when he pledged to pump billions of dollars into a restoration plan for the lakes while at the same time champion a "zero tolerance" policy for new invasive species.
That "zero" is starting to look like a political bull's-eye for conservationists and regional politicians critical of the Obama administration's decision Tuesday to oppose efforts by a coalition of five Great Lakes states to force Illinois and the Army Corps of Engineers to do more to protect Lake Michigan from what many fear is an imminent invasion of the jumbo carp that could ravage the Great Lakes' $7 billion fishery.
"It is inexcusable that the administration has decided to side with their political allies in the state of Illinois to protect the narrow interests of their state, while the rest of the Great Lakes region and federal taxpayers will be forced to deal with the carp entering the lakes," said Rep. Candice S. Miller (R-Mich.).
Conservationists who weeks ago were aglow over Obama's billion-dollar plan for the Great Lakes were in a different mood Wednesday. They said it all might mean money down the drain if the administration doesn't recognize the threat carp pose to the lakes and take - or at least not oppose - action to close some navigational locks considered the last thing standing between the carp and Lake Michigan.
"The Obama administration has miscalculated the threat Asian carp pose to the Great Lakes," said Andy Buchsbaum, regional executive director of the National Wildlife Federation's Great Lakes Regional Center. "Without immediate action, an invasion of Asian carp will unravel many of the president's Great Lakes initiatives."
Read the full story at link.
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Register today for the 2010 Aquatic Weed Control Short Course!
Earn up to 20 CEUs!
May 3-6, 2010
Coral Springs Marriott
Coral Springs, Florida
www.conference.ifas.ufl.edu/aw
Mark your calendar and plan to take part in the 2010 Aquatic Weed Short Course to be held May 3-6, 2010 at the Coral Springs Marriott Hotel, Golf Club, and Convention Center in Coral Springs, FL.
The short course is designed to benefit those new to the industry and experienced professionals seeking a comprehensive update. Topics include:
• General Standards (CORE) Training
• Pesticide Application Equipment Calibration Training
• Plant Identification
• Aquatic Pest Control Category Training
• Natural Areas Weed Management Training
• Right-of-Way Weed Management Training
Register Online Today!
Registration is now available for the 2010 Aquatic Weed Control Short Course. Be sure that your organization is budgeted to attend this valuable training.
Early Reduced Registration Fee
(By February 26, 2010) $235.00
Regular Registration Fee
(By April 12, 2010) $285.00
Late Registration Fee
(After April 12, 2010) $335.00
Student Registration Fee
$110.00
CLICK HERE to register today!
The registration fee, combined with funds contributed by our generous sponsors, provides each attendee with the educational program, course materials, a book of presentations, morning, mid-day and afternoon refreshments, and Tuesday evening's welcome reception.
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NC group urges fight against pest plants
The Associated Press
A North Carolina group watching the spread of environment-changing foreign plants wants to declare war on the invaders.
For a week beginning Sunday, the North Carolina Exotic Plant Pest Council wants people to focus on invasive species.
Plant Pest Council President Rick Iverson says kudzu is probably the invasive plant that most people know best, but it's so widespread that it can't be stopped.
Iverson says it's time to look out for the next kudzu and stop it from spreading before it becomes a serious problem. The group says early detection gives eradication measures better chances for success.
The Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council has information on invasive plants, what they look like and the problems they create on its Web site.
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On the Net:
Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council: http://www.se-eppc.org
Read the story at link.
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Insect pests outlast frigid weather in mountains
ASHEVILLE, NC — January's deep freeze won't put much of a dent in pest populations come spring. Ticks, chiggers, fleas and even fire ants spreading from the south will still come out to bite, specialists say.
It also won't have much of an effect on foreign invasive pests such as the disastrous hemlock woolly adelgid and that old Southern staple: pine beetles.
“Insects that we have here are adapted to surviving our winters,” said Linda Blue, an agent with the Buncombe County Cooperative Extension Service. “Yes, it's much colder than we've been used to, but nothing out of our range. We're rated for as low as 10 below.”
Asheville posted five consecutive days from Jan. 2 through Wednesday when highs stayed below 30 degrees, but that's still short of the record of eight consecutive days below freezing set in December 1995, according to the National Climatic Data Center.
Insects survive the winter by burrowing deep underground where temperatures remain steady.
Even fire ants, an invasive species that have spread up from Alabama into North Carolina, then west into the mountains, are largely immune to routine cold, explained Steve Bambara, an extension entomologist with N.C. State University.
Studies suggest that several weeks with temperatures reaching 10 below could put a halt to fire ant colonies, which have steadily marched into most North Carolina counties from more tropical climates. “But we don't see that much,” Bambara said. “Where we started having outdoor ice skating, then that would probably kill some ants.”
Read the full story at link.
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FLEPPC’s Kathy Craddock Burks Education Grant
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS – FY2010
Program Description and Eligibility
The Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council is soliciting grant proposals for non-native invasive plant education and outreach projects in Florida. The intent of these grants is to provide funding to organizations or individuals who will educate Floridians about non-native invasive plants and their influences on the environment and economy of Florida. Proposals will be accepted from individuals, public or private nonprofit organizations, and academic institutions.
Evaluation Criteria
Award preference will be given to proposals that meet the following criteria:
• Involve plants listed as Category-I species on the FLEPPC 2009 List of Invasive Plant Species, found on www.fleppc.org (projects involving Category-II species will also be considered);
• Include an educational message that will reach a large segment of the community;
• Heighten community awareness about non-native invasive plant identification, management, prevention, environmental and/or economic impacts;
• Involve an active component (passive programs such as signs, brochures or websites should be enhanced to promote an event or an action involving the target audience);
• Include an evaluation of project success;
• Demonstrate matching funds or in-kind contributions;
• Include partnerships (please specify type and degree of involvement for partner entities);
• Include a detailed timeline of grant activities.
• First time applicants and new/startup projects will be given preference, although repeat applicants and established programs will be considered.
Application instructions and further information may be found on the FLEPPC website (www.fleppc.org). Grants may not be used to fund food or beverages, capital expense items (sprayers, chain saws, machinery, herbicide), overhead costs (e.g., electricity) or large-scale herbicide application activities. Requests for funding should not exceed $1,000.00 and all funds awarded are to be used within one year of receipt. If full funding is not available, partial funding may be awarded. Applicant/organization must present a summary of results at the FLEPPC annual meeting (poster or presentation) or provide a summary article for possible inclusion in Wildland Weeds magazine. The FLEPPC Education Grant Committee reserves the right to review all publications resulting from its funding (prior to printing or distribution) for accuracy.
The deadline for proposal submission is 5PM on February 1, 2010.
The FLEPPC Education Committee will review all applications. Winners will be announced in April 2010 at FLEPPC’s annual conference, held this year in Crystal River, FL.
For further information, contact:
Jennifer Possley
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Email: jpossley@fairchildgarden.org
Phone: 305-667-1651, ext. 3433
Fax: 305-665-8032
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USDA announces additional funding to control the Asian Longhorned Beetle in Massachusetts
WASHINGTON, Jan. 11, 2010 -- Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the availability of $41.5 million in emergency funding to prevent the spread of the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) in Massachusetts.
"The USDA, along with our key partners in Massachusetts, has worked hard to contain and the Asian longhorned beetle, an invasive pest that has the potential to devastate our forests and backyard trees," Vilsack said. "These additional funds will allow for a more aggressive approach to ensure ALB does not spread to other areas in New England."
The emergency funding will be used in Massachusetts to increase tree surveys in order to determine the extent of the infestation, expand the use of treatments to reduce the beetle population and ensure the timely removal of infested trees.
"I have been to Massachusetts, seen the impact of ALB on communities and spoken to lawmakers and residents directly affected because I wanted to hear the concerns of many partners working with us in this effort," Vilsack added. "With this funding, USDA reinforces our shared goal of stopping this destructive pest and protecting valued resources."
Read the full story at link.
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Phragmites partners with microbes to plot native plants' demise
ScienceDaily (Dec. 28, 2009) — University of Delaware researchers have uncovered a novel means of conquest employed by the common reed, Phragmites australis, which ranks as one of the world's most invasive plants.
The invasive strain, which hails from Eurasia, overtakes its "native" cousin, which has lived in North America for the past 10,000 years, ironically by provoking the native plant to "take itself out," through a combination of microbial and enzymatic activity in the soil.The research by an interdisciplinary UD team led by Harsh Bais, assistant professor of plant and soil sciences, is reported in the December issue of the scientific journal Plant Physiology and also is highlighted in one of the journal's editorials.
Bais's co-authors include postdoctoral researchers Gurdeep Bains and Amutha Sampath Kumar in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources; Thimmaraju Rudrappa, a former UD postdoctoral researcher who is now a research scientist at DuPont; Emily Alff, an undergraduate who became involved in the study through a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) fellowship; and Thomas Hanson, associate professor of marine biosciences in the College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment.
In previous research, a team led by Bais determined that Phragmites employs a strategy known as allelopathy, in which plants release toxic chemicals into the soil to deter other plants from growing close to them.
In soil studies at the Delaware Biotechnology Institute, a premier center for life sciences research at UD, the scientists discovered that invasive Phragmites produces elevated levels of a benign compound, a precursor of gallic acid known as gallotannin, relative to its native cousin.
However, when this gallotannin, a polymeric phenol, is attacked by tannase produced through enzymatic activity by native plants and rhizospheric microbes, toxic gallic acid is produced and released in the root zone, exacerbating the invasive Phragmites' noxiousness.
"The tannins are like partners in crime in the process," Bais said.
He noted that Hanson and Kumar collected microbes present on the root surface of the plants and revealed that the "bugs" cleave the polymer (gallotannin) to release the monomer (gallic acid) because the microbes are using the tannins as a carbon source.
"It's like a two-way highway," Bais said, "the plant is working with bacteria to secrete gallic acid into the soil."
Bais says that the microbial population is the same in the native versus the invasive Phragmites. The invasive variety simply secretes more gallotannins into the soil than its native cousin, putting the native plant at a disadvantage in turf battles between the two strains.
Phragmites has overtaken millions of acres of wetlands in the United States, thanks to the aggressive, invasive strain of the plant that came on the scene some 200 years ago from Eurasia.
The exotic species has displaced the non-aggressive native variety of the plant, relegating the native strain to isolated patches and wetland margins along the Atlantic coast.
"Now we have a way to remedy the sick soil," Bais said. "After years of research, we have identified a mechanism that may lead to a solution to the Phragmites invasion."
The research was supported by the University of Delaware Research Foundation (UDRF). Gurdeep Bains's involvement in the study was made possibly by a BOYSCAST Fellowship from the Department of Science and Technology, India.
Adapted from materials provided by University of Delaware. Original article written by Tracey Bryant.
University of Delaware (2009, December 28). Phragmites partners with microbes to plot native plants' demise. ScienceDaily. Retrieved January 12, 2010, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2009/12/091223125135.htm
Photo above: Members of the UD research team with Phragmites plants are, from left, Emily Alff, undergraduate researcher; Prof. Harsh Bais, who led the study; Amutha Sampath Kumar, postdoctoral researcher; and Prof. Thomas Hanson. (Credit: Image courtesy of University of Delaware)
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Old technology coming out of the closet
Jan 12, 2010 10:51 AM, By Elton Robinson, Farm Press Editorial Staff
It’s almost like weed control has been transported back to the 1980s, what with all the cold steel, post-directed rigs, hooded sprayers and residual herbicides becoming more prominent in the arsenal.
As glyphosate-resistant weeds continue to march across the Mid-South, many farmers are being forced to pull old weed control technology out of the grass patch.
For some, it’s almost like weed control has been transported back to the 1980s, what with all the cold steel, post-directed rigs, hooded sprayers and residual herbicides becoming more prominent in the arsenal.
And weed control costs are rising, too, as well as a critical importance on application timing, both of which came into focus during the weird growing season of 2009, when wet weather prevented so many timely applications.
A resistant pigweed problem got so bad for Gunnison, Miss., producer Kenneth Hood this season that he had to plow under some soybean acres infested with it “after I threw everything I could at them and couldn’t control them.
“It’s unbelievable how thick they have become since my last disking. If that is any indication of what I’ve got to fight next year, I hate to think.”
Cold steel is not the only old technology pulled out of the closet the last two years, Hood says. “We’ve hand-weeded and spot-sprayed weeds by hand. We never stopped our post-directed applications. We just went out and tried to control those spots in the field where resistant weeds escaped our traditional applications.”
Hood estimates that the additional trips and labor has increased his cost of production by about $30 an acre, “and we’ve hurt yields and quality as well. Weeds will choke up cotton pickers and combines, and hurt the quality of your crops. Resistance is a broader spectrum problem than we think about.”
Weeds in the Mid-South with documented glyphosate resistance include johnsongrass, horseweed, common ragweed, Palmer amaranth (pigweed) and Italian ryegrass.
Read the full story at link.
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Researchers learn why invasive plants spreading so rapidly in forests
UNIVERSITY PARK, PA. -- Invasive plants are advancing into Eastern forests at an alarming rate, and the rapid spread has been linked by researchers in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences to forest road maintenance and the type of dirt and stone used on roads.
Perhaps predictably, according to David Mortensen, a professor of weed ecology who has been studying the spread of invasive plants for nearly two decades, humans are unwittingly accelerating the relentless march of invasives into even isolated forests. The findings are especially significant in the face of massive forest road-building efforts expected to support greatly expanded natural-gas drilling operations into the Marcellus shale formation. Hundreds or even thousands of gas wells could be established in Eastern forests in the next few years, depending on the market price of gas.
Forest roads facilitate the spread of invasive plants
In a paper titled "Forest Roads Facilitate the Spread of Invasive Plants," published in the August 2009 issue of Invasive Plant Science and Management, Mortensen detailed some eye-opening revelations about the process by which invasive plants advance so quickly.
"Roads can play a profound role in the spread and growth of invasive species by serving as corridors for movement and by providing prime habitat for establishment," Mortensen explained. "For example, forest managers have reported that the borders of hundreds of miles of forest roads have been invaded by Japanese stiltgrass in a period of less than 10 years."
As part of his research, Mortensen -- who was assisted by post-doctoral researcher Emily Rauschert and doctoral candidate Andrea Nord -- performed a large-scale survey of the presence and abundance of 13 invasive plants and found that the most abundant species, Microstegium (Japanese stiltgrass) is strongly associated with proximity to roads. He then focused his attention on trying to determine the reasons and devise a strategy to slow the spread.
The researchers discovered, to their amazement, that Japanese stiltgrass on its own does not spread quickly. To better understand why the invasive plant is achieving such a high rate of spread in Eastern forests, they deliberately introduced Microstegium patches in a forested site similar to the one in which the survey was conducted and allowed patches to naturally expand over four years before controlling all patches.
"Through this multi-year study, we found the natural spread rate was surprisingly slow, several orders of magnitude slower than that observed by the forest managers we work with," Mortensen said. "We also found that spread was greatest in habitats adjacent to forest roads.
"It is clear that the rates of spread occurring in forests throughout the study region are aided by management practices such as road grading, which is employed frequently to maintain the dirt and gravel roads."
Japanese stiltgrass seed becomes mixed with the dirt and gravel and then is carried along as graders push the crushed stone to fill holes and smooth road surfaces. Mortensen also suspects invasive plant seeds may be picked up and transported by equipment, so he suggests spread could be limited by carefully cleaning the undersides of construction vehicles and other machines before they travel from one road job to another.
Management suggestions
"Management of this troublesome invasive can be enhanced with a multifaceted, integrated approach," he said. "Particular attention should be paid to infestations that serve as sources for seed dispersal into uninvaded or environmentally sensitive areas. The primary vectors of long-distance dispersal, such as road maintenance activities or vehicle traffic, should be identified and mitigating steps taken. Finally, it is important to minimize road-edge disturbance to the extent possible, as such disturbance provides an ideal seedbed for the newly dispersed Microstegium seed."
Perhaps the most startling finding of Mortensen's research relates to the nature of dirt and gravel on forest roads that enables invasive plants such as Japanese stiltgrass to thrive.
"The crushed limestone used to surface many forest roads and to line culverts and drains along those roads are creating ideal conditions for the invasives to spread rapidly," he said. "The high alkalinity sediment from the stone, mixed with water running off the roads during storms, eventually spills out into the forests, carrying invasive plant seeds and creating areas for them to grow quickly. The high alkalinity prevents native plants that have become adapted to acidic forest soils from growing, and invasives such as Japanese stiltgrass fill the void."
Ironically, the crushed limestone is being used on many forest roads and in ditches and drains that parallel mountain streams precisely because the material leaches a high-alkalinity slurry that improves the productivity and water chemistry of the streams. That benefits the wild trout and other aquatic organisms that have suffered in many mountain streams after decades of acidic atmospheric deposition (acid rain).
"That only complicates the battle against the spread of invasive plants into Eastern forests and shows the interconnected nature of ecosystems," Mortensen said. "But measures need to be taken to slow the spread of invasive plants such as Microstegium, because over the long run they will change the nature of our plant communities by outcompeting native plants."
Read the story at link.
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PEST ALERT: Chinese creeper or bittervine, Mikania micrantha, an invasive vine new to the continental United States
Mikania micrantha Kunth, a vine in the Compositae (Asteraceae) family, was recently detected in Miami-Dade County by Keith Bradley of the Institute for Regional Conservation. Through further surveys, additional patches have been found, all within a 5.5 mi. swath through the Redlands area of Homestead. The populations have mostly been found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and woodlots, but at least one nursery is infested, as is one residential landscape. Most of the infestations are small, but a larger one, 100 ft. square, has been seen as well. This plant has not previously been reported to be established in the continental United States, although it is native in Puerto Rico (Liogier, 1997). It is a serious agricultural and environmental weed, particularly in the Old World tropics, and is included on the Noxious Weed Lists of the USDA and several states, including Florida.
Read the Pest Alert at link.
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Shipping map tracks invasive species stowaways
Written by Megan Treacy on 13/01/10
Invasive species can have catastrophic effects on an ecosystem. From algae to jellyfish, ports around the world are faced with a problem, but first, it's necessary to understand how the problem got there.
Researchers at the Carl von Ossietzky University in Oldenburg, Germany set out to crack the case of marine invasive species. Where are they coming from and how did they get there? They knew that many small species hitch a ride in the ballast water of cargo ships, so they plotted the course of 16,363 ships during 2007 to look for connections.Before now, it was assumed that invasive species were more likely coming from nearby ports, but researchers discovered that wasn't the case.
They found that container ships follow regular routes, but oil tankers and dry bulk carriers often change routes. Container ships tend to travel quickly and don't spend long at port. On the other hand, oil tankers and dry bulk carriers travel more slowly, spend more time at port and exchange ballast water more often due to the fact that they spend a lot of time traveling without cargo, making them important to watch.
From their analysis they were able to find the world's most connected ports which would be the most prone to the introduction of invasive species. They compiled a list of 20 with the top five being the Panama Canal, the Suez Canal, Shanghai, Singapore and Antwerp.
Hopefully this new data will help affected ports monitor these stowaways and come up with an environmentally responsible plan. As is the case with all informational maps, they add to our understanding of a problem, which usually helps create a solution.
Read the story at link.
via AFP.
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New York students improving Treasure Coast environment
HOBE SOUND, FL — Fourteen students from a New York college are spending the last week of their winter break on the Treasure Coast [Florida].
But instead of volleyballs, sunscreen and bottles ofbeer, they’re wielding pruning saws, loppers and bottles of herbicide.
Throughout this week, the students from Purchase College, a part of the State University of New York in Purchase, N.Y., are helping eradicate invasive plant species on public lands. Tuesday morning they were cutting Brazilian pepper shrubs and dosing the stumps in Blowing Rocks Preserve, a 73-acre natural area owned by the Nature Conservancy. They’ll also work at Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Hobe Sound and at Fort Pierce Inlet State Park in St. Lucie County.
“I like giving back to the community,” said Evan Gmora, a 21-year-old senior from Islip, N.Y., “even if it’s not my own community.”
Mike Renda, a biologist at the preserve showing the students the how-tos of invasive eradication, called the students “the kind of people who will always be involved with helping their communities. That’s something that will stick with them all their lives. If it wasn’t for these kids, we’d probably have to contract out this work, so they’re saving (the preserve) a lot of money.”
The students’ visit coincides with National Invasive Plants Week, an effort not only to strip land of invasives, but to spread the word to private landowners that they need to do their part, too.
Read the full story at link.
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2010 Invasive Plant Calendar
The Alien Plant Working Group has a printable 2010 Calendar and links to online calendars with invasive species conferences, workshops and other events.
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Supreme Court To Hear Asian Carp Debate
posted by: Michigan News Network on Fri. Jan. 15 2010
MICHIGAN ATTORNEY GENERAL MIKE COX GOES BEFORE THE U-S SUPREME COURT TODAY (FRI 1/15/10) TO JUSTIFY WHY THE STATE OF ILLINOIS SHOULD BE FORCED TO KEEP AN INVASIVE SPECIES OUT OF THE GREAT LAKES. MICHIGAN AND AT LEAST FOUR OTHER GREAT LAKES STATES WANT THE HIGH COURT TO IMMEDIATELY CLOSE CHICAGO-AREA WATERWAYS CONTAINING ASIAN CARP. COX SAYS THE INVASIVE SPECIES HAS THE POTENTIAL TO DECIMATE THE REGION’S SEVEN-BILLION-DOLLAR FISHING INDUSTRY AND AFFECT THE 800-THOUSAND MICHIGAN JOBS CONNECTED TO THE HEALTH OF THE LAKES. COX ARGUES THAT, UNDER A RECENT WATER DIVERSION PACT, THE STATE OF ILLINOIS IS OBLIGATED TO CLOSE LOCKS IN A LOCAL CANAL TO PROTECT THE GREAT LAKES. LAST WEEK, THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION FILED A BRIEF WITH THE U-S SUPREME COURT OPPOSING THE EFFORT FOR SAFETY AND COMMERCE REASONS.
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Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Week of Jun 8, 2009
Updated June 14
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N.Y. setting traps for invasive beetles
Dave Henderson, Ithaca Journal
New York is targeting another potential invasive species, a tree-eating beetle named the Emerald Ash Borer.
The Department of Environmental Conservation will be deploying the purple prism traps in treelines throughout the state in an attempt to trap the beetles. There will also be a concentration in areas adjacent to neighboring states and Canadian provinces that have already detected this potentially devastating invasive species.
The main route that enables this insect, as well as other invasive species, to spread is from moving firewood from one place to another. That is why in 2008, New York adopted regulations that ban untreated firewood from entering the state and restricts intrastate movement of untreated firewood to no more than a 50-mile radius from its source (http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/28722.html).
New York has more than 900 million ash trees. Many communities are at particular risk because ash was widely planted as a street tree after Dutch elm disease killed many urban trees.
DEC's approach to monitoring for the insect is twofold: First, traps to attract and catch the EAB are being hung in ash trees within a 100-mile radius from previously documented EAB locations in Ontario and Quebec, Canada, and central Pennsylvania.
This month traps will be placed in Western New York areas including Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany, Erie, Wyoming, Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, Livingston and Monroe counties, and in Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Franklin, and Clinton counties along our northern border.
The DEC will also be monitoring "high-risk sites" such as campgrounds, major highway corridors, wood industries and locations with large ash populations. Nearly 6,000 traps will be deployed.
The bright purple, prism-shaped EAB traps are made of sticky-coated corrugated plastic and contain scented lures. After 45 days, the traps will be inspected and samples collected. After 90 days, the traps will be collected and removed from the trees.
Read the full article at link.
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NYSDEC to track emerald ash borer
Adirondack Almanac
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is setting baited traps in ash trees across upstate New York in an effort to search for possible infestations of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), a tree-killing beetle. You will soon be seeing the purple prism traps deployed in treelines throughout New York, with a concentration in areas adjacent to neighboring states and Canadian provinces that have already detected this potentially devastating invasive species, including several Adirondack counties.
Research has shown that a main way EAB, as well as other invasive species, spread is from moving firewood from one place to another. That's why in 2008, New York adopted regulations that ban untreated firewood from entering the state and restricts intrastate movement of untreated firewood to no more than a 50-mile radius from its source.
According to the DEC, New York has more than 900 million ash trees, representing about 7 percent of all trees in the state, and all are at risk should EAB become established. Many communities are at particular risk because ash was widely planted as a street tree after Dutch elm disease killed many local elms.
Read the full story at link
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Invasive red algae causes snarls for South Carolina shrimpers
The Island Packet & Beaufort Gazette
Biologists are monitoring red algae that has popped up around the Lowcountry, including in Beaufort County, and will be checking its possible spread to other parts of the South Carolina coast.
The seaweed, known as gracilaria, is growing quickly in the Charleston Harbor, said David Whitaker, a biologist with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources.
Fishermen traveling the coast have heard that shrimping nets have been tangled in and destroyed by the invasive plant.
"It's pretty bad from Charleston to Rockville," said Donald Jordan of Georgetown County, who owns the shrimp boat, Kelly Ann. "From Charleston on south is where it seems to be worse. I heard it was tearing some nets up."
Read the full story at link.
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Brazilian peppers devour carbon dioxide, study finds
DOUG SWORD, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
SARASOTA - No one is suggesting that "Save the Brazilian Pepper" societies should start cropping up, but it turns out there is more to the noxious, invasive plant than its good looks.
Long decried as a weedy kin to poison ivy and a threatener of endangered species, the fast-growing pepper literally sucks carbon out of the atmosphere, according to a study.
Because of concerns over climate change, reducing the carbon footprint for a person or a community has become a cause celebre in environmental circles, perhaps positioning the pepper tree for a kinder public image.
But probably not.
The pepper has taken over an estimated 1 million acres, mainly in Florida's southern half. It endangers wildlife by replacing habitat that supports hundreds of species of birds while supporting only a handful itself. It costs governments and businesses millions to remove it from shorelines, highway medians and utility lines. And it is one of the factors stalling Everglades restoration.
Whatever benefit the plant may provide when it comes to carbon, the "negatives far outweigh the positives," said Kenneth Langeland, a professor at the University of Florida's Center for Aquatic and Invasive Species.
The new research was conducted by New College professor Meg Lowman in conjunction with Colorado State University.
Lowman acknowledges that the findings run counter to the generally murderous view toward the pepper.
"I'm not recommending any policy as a scientist. I'm just presenting the facts," she said. And it appears the fact is that the pepper is "an amazing storer of carbon."
Read the full article at link.
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Japanese knotweed replacing purple loosestrife in New Hampshire
By CHELSEA CONABOY, Concord Monitor
JAPANESE KNOTWEED is replacing purple loosestrife as one of the most pervasive invasive species in the state. Knotweed came to the United States from Japan in the 1800s to be used mostly as a landscaping plant. It grows in thick clusters, similar to bamboo, and has no known predators here.
Unlike loosestrife, a pretty but insidious plant that can choke wetlands if left unchecked, there is no known biological means of controlling knotweed. For more than 10 years, the state has been battling loosestrife by shipping in a kind of beetle that eats the plant, weakening it and controlling its spread.
Doug Cygan, invasive species coordinator with the Department of Agriculture, said that plant is now under control, but the calls to his office regarding knotweed are increasing.
So far, Cygan said, there's no good biological means of controlling knotweed. He recommends using herbicide.
"Do not mow it," he said.
Mowing along highways has largely contributed to the spread of the plant. Each plant has several hundred nodes, or joints. When the plant is chopped up by a lawnmower, each node can sprout into a new plant. Cygan said the state has stopped mowing areas of knotweed and is removing populations of the plant that occur in areas of road construction.
For more information about controlling knotweed, call Cygan at 271-3488.
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Position Announcement
Position: Invasive Plants Coordinator
Location: University of Georgia, Tifton, Georgia USA
Appointment: Grant-funded full-time position (salary $28,716 - $33,023 with benefits). The position is currently funded for one year with renewal contingent upon availability of continuing grant funds and satisfactory progress of employee
Available: Closing date for receipt of applications is June 26, 2009. Position could be available as early as July 15, 2009.
Position Description: This position will be the Invasive Plants Coordinator for the Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health (http://www.bugwood.org/) at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus.
Interested persons must complete official online University application at:
https://www.ugajobsearch.com/; Select Search Postings, Enter Position Number:
20090604.
Printable version of this e-mail at: http://www.bugwood.org/position.pdf
Please direct any and all questions to:
Dr. G. Keith Douce, Dr. David J. Moorhead or Chuck Bargeron
Phone: 229-386-3298
Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health
Fax: 229-386-3352
The University of Georgia, Tifton GA
Email: cbargero@uga.edu
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Connecticut's Moosup Pond being treated for slimy, invasive weed
By EMILY GROVES, Norwich Bulletin
Plainfield, Conn. — For more than six years, a slimy, green invasive species has been growing in Moosup Pond, sticking to swimmers, boats and fishing lines.
“It will take over the entire pond if it’s not dealt with,” Jeff Megin, president of the Moosup Pond Association, said of the weed known as Variable-Leaf Watermilfoil.
But Monday will mark the beginning of the end of the weeds’ growth. The pond will be treated with a herbicide to kill the weeds.
Funded by a mix of town and grant funds, the treatment, which will be conducted by Aquatic Control Technology Inc. of Sutton, Mass., will cost $15,000.
First Selectman Paul Sweet said the town had budgeted $5,000 for the procedure in the 2008-09 fiscal year, and the additional costs will be paid for by a $5,000 state Department of Environmental Protection grant and $5,000 from the town’s contingency fund. The town had planned to use another state DEP grant for the treatment, but the money was rescinded last month.
Megin said the treatment needs to be done in early June, and without the additional town funds, they would have had to wait until next year.
The pond will be closed Monday during treatment, but will reopen for fishing, swimming and boating Tuesday, Megin said. He said the herbicide, which is granulated pellets designed to kill the weeds at the root, will not harm the pond’s fish.
Megin said the only lasting effect of the treatment is that the water cannot be used for irrigation until further notice.
Megin said the treatment is 70 to 90 percent effective, but the town will likely need to do another smaller scale treatment in two years, to mop up any remaining weeds.
Read the full story at link.
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Mass. students tackle invading pepperweed
Mish Michaels, TV38
Ever heard of Pepperweed? If so, you have trouble. This foreign invader or invasive species came in over the years with other seeds from Europe and Asia. Now these weeds are taking up residence in the Northeast, locally choking out native plants in salt marshes on the North Shore.
"This is one of the northern most points where Pepperweed is being found," said Liz Duff, Mass Audubon's Education Coordinator. I met up with Liz and several students from the Sparhawk School in Salisbury to tackle thick patches of Pepperweed, one root at a time.
"Pepperweed is pretty easy to recognize. It grows on the upper edge of a salt marsh and is visible from the road. The tall, skinny plant grows 1 to 3 feet tall and has alternating leaves. The roots smell like horseradish. The seeds travel in the tides and can spread rapidly that way," Liz explained to me and the students. "Our job is to pull the plants and our aim is to get as much of the root out as possible."
This weeding can be done from May to July before the plants flower. The students went to work -- yes, me too -- pulling and bagging the invaders. Last year, volunteers removed 3,000 pounds of Pepperweed. All of it incinerated to prevent any further spread.
Pepperweed is a threat to biodiversity and wetland habitats.
"The invasive plants are also a threat to agricultural lands which is another economic factor," stated Liz. "It's only been the past decade that we have been seeing it here in the Great Marsh region stretching from Salisbury down to Gloucester."
The students were enthusiastic and eager to change the landscape. "You're out in the field pulling the weeds and feeling like you are actually doing something great," said Sparhawk student Allison Lord. "It just shows that the average person can really make a difference," added Patrick O'Connell.
"Invasives like Pepperweed are threatening biodiversity of our native ecosystems. We need to fight back," concluded Liz. If you would like to volunteer, there are plenty of opportunities to tackle invasive species including Pepperweed.
Great Marsh Pepperweed Eradication Project
Read the story and watch the video at link.
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Update of Noxious Weed Regulations
June 9, 2009
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is proposing to make several changes to the regulations governing the importation and interstate movement of noxious weeds. We would add definitions of terms used in the regulations, add details regarding the process of applying for the permits used to import or move noxious weeds, add a requirement for the treatment of niger seed and add provisions for petitioning to add a taxon to or remove a taxon from the noxious weed lists. These changes would update the regulations to reflect current statutory authority and program operations and improve the effectiveness of the regulations.
Read the full story at link.
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Emerald Ash Borer Found in Westmoreland County, PA; Quarantine Imposed
HARRISBURG, Pa., June 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Emerald Ash Borer beetles have been found in Allegheny Township, Westmoreland County, bringing to seven the number of counties where the ash tree-destroying pest has been identified, Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff announced today.
The invasive beetle was first detected in Pennsylvania in the summer of 2007 in Butler County, and subsequently was found in Allegheny, Beaver, Lawrence, Mercer and Mifflin counties. To help slow the spread of the beetle, the state-imposed quarantine for those six counties is being expanded to include Westmoreland County.
State and federal Emerald Ash Borer quarantines restrict the movement from the quarantine area of ash nursery stock, green lumber and any other ash material, including logs, stumps, roots and branches, and all wood chips.
This summer, 20 crews -- 15 in Western Pennsylvania, one in Mifflin County, and four in the eastern part of the state -- and two regional coordinators have been deployed to assess the spread of the beetle. The Westmoreland County crew detected the new infestation.
"Our survey crews are assessing the extent of the infestation in Westmoreland County and surrounding areas," said Wolff. "We remind consumers to heed the quarantine when traveling and camping this spring and summer -- not just in the quarantined areas but throughout Pennsylvania -- to prevent any further spread of the beetle."
Due to the difficulty in distinguishing between species of hardwood firewood, all hardwood firewood -- including ash, oak, maple and hickory -- are considered quarantined.
Read the full story at link.
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Vermont lake group considers fees to fund treatment
By Tom Mitchell, RutlandHerald.com
CASTLETON — A private group is looking into the possible creation of a special services district on Lake Bomoseen that could impose fees on docks and boats to help pay for a herbicide to kill Eurasian water milfoil."
There is … a proposal by the water-quality committee of the LBA to seek to establish the lake as a separate specials service district," Michael Rosen, president of the Lake Bomoseen Association, said recently.
The plan or model now being presented by the water-quality committee to LBA directors involves in part the use of herbicides to kill Eurasian water milfoil, Rosen said. Creation of the services district would allow the body to charge fees that could support a treatment, Rosen said. Creation of a district would require approval by the Legislature, he added.
Funds raised by formation of such a district could also be used to pay for other long-term methods of managing the weed problem in the lake and other nuisances like zebra mussels that already invade the lake, Rosen said.
Bonding, grants and donations could help finance management projects, officials said. "Unfortunately, it appears the (Eurasian water) milfoil is fairly extensive, depending on the season and summer, year and weather," Rosen said.
LBA has begun looking at a special service district on Lake George as an example of what could be done on Bomoseen, he said.
A commission on the lake levies a $25 fee on docks for example, Barbara Woodard, an LBA director, said. The district also imposes fees for stickers on boats using the lake, she said. "You'd pick one up if you were going out for the day," Woodard said. The funds are used to pay for marine patrols, she said.
Read the full storyh at link.
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Albany Pine Bush Preserve is looking for volunteers
The Albany Pine Bush Preserve is looking for volunteers of all ages for a tree girdling event to help native plants on Sat. June 17 from 9:00 - 12:00. For more information, go to http://www.albanypinebush.org/getting_involved/volunteer_opportunities.htm and click on volunteer opportunities in the right hand column -or - sign up with bbemis@nycap.rr.com
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Online reporting form for wavyleaf basketgrass
To all land stewards and those concerned about invasive species,
Just wanted to let you know that an online reporting form for wavyleaf basketgrass locations is now up and operating on DNR's WLBG website:
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/WLBG/index.asp, on the Get Involved page. Information that comes in via this form (plus phone calls, FAX and email) will be ground-truthed and shared with the folks at the Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health at the University of
Georgia, for the WeedsUS mapping effort. Over the course of this summer, we will be adding already reported sites to a master map, which will be posted both at WeedsUS and the DNR site.
Please make use of this method of reporting WLBG sites! And let me know of any difficulties you have with the form, or suggestions you may have for improving it.
Thank you,
Kerrie L. Kyde
Habitat Ecologist/ Invasive Plant Specialist
Wildlife and Heritage Service
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
11960 Clopper Road
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
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N.Y. setting traps for invasive beetles
Dave Henderson, Ithaca Journal
New York is targeting another potential invasive species, a tree-eating beetle named the Emerald Ash Borer.
The Department of Environmental Conservation will be deploying the purple prism traps in treelines throughout the state in an attempt to trap the beetles. There will also be a concentration in areas adjacent to neighboring states and Canadian provinces that have already detected this potentially devastating invasive species.The main route that enables this insect, as well as other invasive species, to spread is from moving firewood from one place to another. That is why in 2008, New York adopted regulations that ban untreated firewood from entering the state and restricts intrastate movement of untreated firewood to no more than a 50-mile radius from its source (http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/28722.html).
New York has more than 900 million ash trees. Many communities are at particular risk because ash was widely planted as a street tree after Dutch elm disease killed many urban trees.
DEC's approach to monitoring for the insect is twofold: First, traps to attract and catch the EAB are being hung in ash trees within a 100-mile radius from previously documented EAB locations in Ontario and Quebec, Canada, and central Pennsylvania.
This month traps will be placed in Western New York areas including Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany, Erie, Wyoming, Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, Livingston and Monroe counties, and in Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Franklin, and Clinton counties along our northern border.
The DEC will also be monitoring "high-risk sites" such as campgrounds, major highway corridors, wood industries and locations with large ash populations. Nearly 6,000 traps will be deployed.
The bright purple, prism-shaped EAB traps are made of sticky-coated corrugated plastic and contain scented lures. After 45 days, the traps will be inspected and samples collected. After 90 days, the traps will be collected and removed from the trees.
Read the full article at link.
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NYSDEC to track emerald ash borer
Adirondack Almanac
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is setting baited traps in ash trees across upstate New York in an effort to search for possible infestations of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), a tree-killing beetle. You will soon be seeing the purple prism traps deployed in treelines throughout New York, with a concentration in areas adjacent to neighboring states and Canadian provinces that have already detected this potentially devastating invasive species, including several Adirondack counties.
Research has shown that a main way EAB, as well as other invasive species, spread is from moving firewood from one place to another. That's why in 2008, New York adopted regulations that ban untreated firewood from entering the state and restricts intrastate movement of untreated firewood to no more than a 50-mile radius from its source.
According to the DEC, New York has more than 900 million ash trees, representing about 7 percent of all trees in the state, and all are at risk should EAB become established. Many communities are at particular risk because ash was widely planted as a street tree after Dutch elm disease killed many local elms.
Read the full story at link
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Invasive red algae causes snarls for South Carolina shrimpers
The Island Packet & Beaufort Gazette
Biologists are monitoring red algae that has popped up around the Lowcountry, including in Beaufort County, and will be checking its possible spread to other parts of the South Carolina coast.
The seaweed, known as gracilaria, is growing quickly in the Charleston Harbor, said David Whitaker, a biologist with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources.
Fishermen traveling the coast have heard that shrimping nets have been tangled in and destroyed by the invasive plant.
"It's pretty bad from Charleston to Rockville," said Donald Jordan of Georgetown County, who owns the shrimp boat, Kelly Ann. "From Charleston on south is where it seems to be worse. I heard it was tearing some nets up."
Read the full story at link.
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Brazilian peppers devour carbon dioxide, study finds
DOUG SWORD, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
SARASOTA - No one is suggesting that "Save the Brazilian Pepper" societies should start cropping up, but it turns out there is more to the noxious, invasive plant than its good looks.
Long decried as a weedy kin to poison ivy and a threatener of endangered species, the fast-growing pepper literally sucks carbon out of the atmosphere, according to a study.
Because of concerns over climate change, reducing the carbon footprint for a person or a community has become a cause celebre in environmental circles, perhaps positioning the pepper tree for a kinder public image.
But probably not.
The pepper has taken over an estimated 1 million acres, mainly in Florida's southern half. It endangers wildlife by replacing habitat that supports hundreds of species of birds while supporting only a handful itself. It costs governments and businesses millions to remove it from shorelines, highway medians and utility lines. And it is one of the factors stalling Everglades restoration.
Whatever benefit the plant may provide when it comes to carbon, the "negatives far outweigh the positives," said Kenneth Langeland, a professor at the University of Florida's Center for Aquatic and Invasive Species.
The new research was conducted by New College professor Meg Lowman in conjunction with Colorado State University.
Lowman acknowledges that the findings run counter to the generally murderous view toward the pepper.
"I'm not recommending any policy as a scientist. I'm just presenting the facts," she said. And it appears the fact is that the pepper is "an amazing storer of carbon."
Read the full article at link.
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Japanese knotweed replacing purple loosestrife in New Hampshire
By CHELSEA CONABOY, Concord Monitor
JAPANESE KNOTWEED is replacing purple loosestrife as one of the most pervasive invasive species in the state. Knotweed came to the United States from Japan in the 1800s to be used mostly as a landscaping plant. It grows in thick clusters, similar to bamboo, and has no known predators here.
Unlike loosestrife, a pretty but insidious plant that can choke wetlands if left unchecked, there is no known biological means of controlling knotweed. For more than 10 years, the state has been battling loosestrife by shipping in a kind of beetle that eats the plant, weakening it and controlling its spread.
Doug Cygan, invasive species coordinator with the Department of Agriculture, said that plant is now under control, but the calls to his office regarding knotweed are increasing.
So far, Cygan said, there's no good biological means of controlling knotweed. He recommends using herbicide.
"Do not mow it," he said.
Mowing along highways has largely contributed to the spread of the plant. Each plant has several hundred nodes, or joints. When the plant is chopped up by a lawnmower, each node can sprout into a new plant. Cygan said the state has stopped mowing areas of knotweed and is removing populations of the plant that occur in areas of road construction.
For more information about controlling knotweed, call Cygan at 271-3488.
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Position Announcement
Position: Invasive Plants Coordinator
Location: University of Georgia, Tifton, Georgia USA
Appointment: Grant-funded full-time position (salary $28,716 - $33,023 with benefits). The position is currently funded for one year with renewal contingent upon availability of continuing grant funds and satisfactory progress of employee
Available: Closing date for receipt of applications is June 26, 2009. Position could be available as early as July 15, 2009.
Position Description: This position will be the Invasive Plants Coordinator for the Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health (http://www.bugwood.org/) at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus.
Interested persons must complete official online University application at:
https://www.ugajobsearch.com/; Select Search Postings, Enter Position Number:
20090604.
Printable version of this e-mail at: http://www.bugwood.org/position.pdf
Please direct any and all questions to:
Dr. G. Keith Douce, Dr. David J. Moorhead or Chuck Bargeron
Phone: 229-386-3298
Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health
Fax: 229-386-3352
The University of Georgia, Tifton GA
Email: cbargero@uga.edu
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Connecticut's Moosup Pond being treated for slimy, invasive weed
By EMILY GROVES, Norwich Bulletin
Plainfield, Conn. — For more than six years, a slimy, green invasive species has been growing in Moosup Pond, sticking to swimmers, boats and fishing lines.
“It will take over the entire pond if it’s not dealt with,” Jeff Megin, president of the Moosup Pond Association, said of the weed known as Variable-Leaf Watermilfoil.
But Monday will mark the beginning of the end of the weeds’ growth. The pond will be treated with a herbicide to kill the weeds.
Funded by a mix of town and grant funds, the treatment, which will be conducted by Aquatic Control Technology Inc. of Sutton, Mass., will cost $15,000.
First Selectman Paul Sweet said the town had budgeted $5,000 for the procedure in the 2008-09 fiscal year, and the additional costs will be paid for by a $5,000 state Department of Environmental Protection grant and $5,000 from the town’s contingency fund. The town had planned to use another state DEP grant for the treatment, but the money was rescinded last month.
Megin said the treatment needs to be done in early June, and without the additional town funds, they would have had to wait until next year.
The pond will be closed Monday during treatment, but will reopen for fishing, swimming and boating Tuesday, Megin said. He said the herbicide, which is granulated pellets designed to kill the weeds at the root, will not harm the pond’s fish.
Megin said the only lasting effect of the treatment is that the water cannot be used for irrigation until further notice.
Megin said the treatment is 70 to 90 percent effective, but the town will likely need to do another smaller scale treatment in two years, to mop up any remaining weeds.
Read the full story at link.
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Mass. students tackle invading pepperweed
Mish Michaels, TV38
Ever heard of Pepperweed? If so, you have trouble. This foreign invader or invasive species came in over the years with other seeds from Europe and Asia. Now these weeds are taking up residence in the Northeast, locally choking out native plants in salt marshes on the North Shore."This is one of the northern most points where Pepperweed is being found," said Liz Duff, Mass Audubon's Education Coordinator. I met up with Liz and several students from the Sparhawk School in Salisbury to tackle thick patches of Pepperweed, one root at a time.
"Pepperweed is pretty easy to recognize. It grows on the upper edge of a salt marsh and is visible from the road. The tall, skinny plant grows 1 to 3 feet tall and has alternating leaves. The roots smell like horseradish. The seeds travel in the tides and can spread rapidly that way," Liz explained to me and the students. "Our job is to pull the plants and our aim is to get as much of the root out as possible."
This weeding can be done from May to July before the plants flower. The students went to work -- yes, me too -- pulling and bagging the invaders. Last year, volunteers removed 3,000 pounds of Pepperweed. All of it incinerated to prevent any further spread.
Pepperweed is a threat to biodiversity and wetland habitats.
"The invasive plants are also a threat to agricultural lands which is another economic factor," stated Liz. "It's only been the past decade that we have been seeing it here in the Great Marsh region stretching from Salisbury down to Gloucester."
The students were enthusiastic and eager to change the landscape. "You're out in the field pulling the weeds and feeling like you are actually doing something great," said Sparhawk student Allison Lord. "It just shows that the average person can really make a difference," added Patrick O'Connell.
"Invasives like Pepperweed are threatening biodiversity of our native ecosystems. We need to fight back," concluded Liz. If you would like to volunteer, there are plenty of opportunities to tackle invasive species including Pepperweed.
Great Marsh Pepperweed Eradication Project
Read the story and watch the video at link.
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Update of Noxious Weed Regulations
June 9, 2009
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is proposing to make several changes to the regulations governing the importation and interstate movement of noxious weeds. We would add definitions of terms used in the regulations, add details regarding the process of applying for the permits used to import or move noxious weeds, add a requirement for the treatment of niger seed and add provisions for petitioning to add a taxon to or remove a taxon from the noxious weed lists. These changes would update the regulations to reflect current statutory authority and program operations and improve the effectiveness of the regulations.
Read the full story at link.
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Emerald Ash Borer Found in Westmoreland County, PA; Quarantine Imposed
HARRISBURG, Pa., June 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Emerald Ash Borer beetles have been found in Allegheny Township, Westmoreland County, bringing to seven the number of counties where the ash tree-destroying pest has been identified, Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff announced today.
The invasive beetle was first detected in Pennsylvania in the summer of 2007 in Butler County, and subsequently was found in Allegheny, Beaver, Lawrence, Mercer and Mifflin counties. To help slow the spread of the beetle, the state-imposed quarantine for those six counties is being expanded to include Westmoreland County.
State and federal Emerald Ash Borer quarantines restrict the movement from the quarantine area of ash nursery stock, green lumber and any other ash material, including logs, stumps, roots and branches, and all wood chips.
This summer, 20 crews -- 15 in Western Pennsylvania, one in Mifflin County, and four in the eastern part of the state -- and two regional coordinators have been deployed to assess the spread of the beetle. The Westmoreland County crew detected the new infestation.
"Our survey crews are assessing the extent of the infestation in Westmoreland County and surrounding areas," said Wolff. "We remind consumers to heed the quarantine when traveling and camping this spring and summer -- not just in the quarantined areas but throughout Pennsylvania -- to prevent any further spread of the beetle."
Due to the difficulty in distinguishing between species of hardwood firewood, all hardwood firewood -- including ash, oak, maple and hickory -- are considered quarantined.
Read the full story at link.
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Vermont lake group considers fees to fund treatment
By Tom Mitchell, RutlandHerald.com
CASTLETON — A private group is looking into the possible creation of a special services district on Lake Bomoseen that could impose fees on docks and boats to help pay for a herbicide to kill Eurasian water milfoil."
There is … a proposal by the water-quality committee of the LBA to seek to establish the lake as a separate specials service district," Michael Rosen, president of the Lake Bomoseen Association, said recently.
The plan or model now being presented by the water-quality committee to LBA directors involves in part the use of herbicides to kill Eurasian water milfoil, Rosen said. Creation of the services district would allow the body to charge fees that could support a treatment, Rosen said. Creation of a district would require approval by the Legislature, he added.
Funds raised by formation of such a district could also be used to pay for other long-term methods of managing the weed problem in the lake and other nuisances like zebra mussels that already invade the lake, Rosen said.
Bonding, grants and donations could help finance management projects, officials said. "Unfortunately, it appears the (Eurasian water) milfoil is fairly extensive, depending on the season and summer, year and weather," Rosen said.
LBA has begun looking at a special service district on Lake George as an example of what could be done on Bomoseen, he said.
A commission on the lake levies a $25 fee on docks for example, Barbara Woodard, an LBA director, said. The district also imposes fees for stickers on boats using the lake, she said. "You'd pick one up if you were going out for the day," Woodard said. The funds are used to pay for marine patrols, she said.
Read the full storyh at link.
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Albany Pine Bush Preserve is looking for volunteers
The Albany Pine Bush Preserve is looking for volunteers of all ages for a tree girdling event to help native plants on Sat. June 17 from 9:00 - 12:00. For more information, go to http://www.albanypinebush.org/getting_involved/volunteer_opportunities.htm and click on volunteer opportunities in the right hand column -or - sign up with bbemis@nycap.rr.com
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Online reporting form for wavyleaf basketgrass
To all land stewards and those concerned about invasive species,
Just wanted to let you know that an online reporting form for wavyleaf basketgrass locations is now up and operating on DNR's WLBG website:
http://www.dnr.
Georgia, for the WeedsUS mapping effort. Over the course of this summer, we will be adding already reported sites to a master map, which will be posted both at WeedsUS and the DNR site.
Please make use of this method of reporting WLBG sites! And let me know of any difficulties you have with the form, or suggestions you may have for improving it.
Thank you,
Kerrie L. Kyde
Habitat Ecologist/ Invasive Plant Specialist
Wildlife and Heritage Service
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
11960 Clopper Road
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
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Monday, May 25, 2009
Week of May 25, 2009
Renewed concerns over invasive beetle in Vermont and New Hampshire
Summer brings renewed concerns about the Asian longhorned beetle. The invasive pest has an appetite for maple trees, and has devastated entire forests in Massachusetts. So far, Vermont and New Hampshire have escaped the invasion.
But the concern is that the bugs will be transported here in firewood carried by campers. As a precaution, New Hampshire next month will ban out-of-state firewood at federal and state-owned campgrounds.
From WCAX News. Link
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Madison High School students control invasives at Wildlife Refuge
MADISON, NJ -- It was almost lunchtime on the Madison High School Day of Service and Mark DeBiasse, History Department Chairperson and Service Learning Coordinator, said that his cell phone had not rung once yet to report a problem from any of the more than 40 work sites he was supervising.
Sawing, drilling, measuring, mulching, planting, drawing, painting, digging -- and that's just the beginning, the task list goes on. More than 400 Madison High School students plus faculty members came together to work on service projects that spread lots of cheer and goodwill throughout the school district, the borough and beyond on Wednesday, May 20, during the high school's fifth annual Day of Service.
They formed green teams to test Passaic River water quality and remove invasive plant species at the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, while others organized a blood drive with the American Red Cross.
Read the full story at link.
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Saw Mill River Audubon plans “Trees for Tribs” planting
From Saw Mill River Audubon
Sunday, May 31, 9:00 a.m.
Volunteers Invited to Help Plant Native Trees and ShrubsThe last Sunday of May is planting day at Brinton Brook Sanctuary in Croton on Hudson. Everyone is invited to bring a spade, dig a hole, and “go native,” joining Saw Mill River Audubon (SMRA) and the New York State Department of Conservation (DEC) in planting native trees and shrubs to improve streamside habitats in the sanctuary. The restoration is part of the DEC’s “Trees for Tribs” program along tributaries to the Hudson River.
The DEC is providing 100 native plants carefully chosen for this site. The 40 trees and 60 shrubs represent 13 species, including witchhazel, American cranberrybush viburnum, red maple, and sassafras.
Advance preparation by SMRA included scouting the location with the DEC, removing invasive plants from the area, planning the location for each new plant, and preparing labels with plant names.
For information about volunteering, contact:
Ellen Heidelberger
Saw Mill River Audubon
914-666-6503
office@sawmillriveraudubon.org
http://www.sawmillriveraudubon.org/
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Giant Hogweed confirmed in Butler County, PA
HARRISBURG, Pa., May 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is warning residents of Forward Township in Evans City, Butler County, that Giant Hogweed, a noxious and invasive weed that can cause blistering and scarring on the skin of susceptible people, has been confirmed in their area.
Located along the Pittsburgh/Buffalo railroad tracks at the intersection of Spithaler School and Ash Stop roads, and at the intersection of the tracks and Ash Stop Road, the area with Giant Hogweed has been identified and marked with Department of Agriculture signage.
Citizens with suspected sightings of the plant are asked to call the Giant Hogweed Hotline at 1-877-464-9333. Brochures to aide in identification are available at the Forward Township Municipality Building or online at http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/ under "Plant and Animal Health."
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PA Gov., PDA Turn Up The Heat on Ash Borer
http://www.lancasterfarming.com/
HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania Gov. Edward G. Rendell proclaimed May 17-23 as “Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week” in Pennsylvania to help draw attention to the devastating, non-native invasive beetle that has been killing trees in six Pennsylvania counties during the past two years.
The governor urged the public to help contain the beetle’s spread to protect trees and also the jobs associated with Pennsylvania’s $25 billion forest products industry.
“The emerald ash borer has already killed tens of millions of ash trees nationwide and its arrival in Pennsylvania could have a damaging affect on our hardwoods industry,” Rendell said.
“Pennsylvania has been proactive in controlling its spread by enacting a firewood quarantine for counties found to have infestations and completing in-depth surveys to determine the extent of the infestations.
“By designating Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week, we are reminding citizens of the potentially severe impacts this beetle could have on our environment and economy so they can take steps to help stop its spread.”
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) held a press conference at Bald Eagle State Park in Centre County on Tuesday to recognize Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week. The conference took place in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Envirothon.
Firewood Transport Spreads Beetle
Firewood is the primary means of long distance movement for emerald ash borer and other invasive forest pests, so this camping season people are reminded to use only locally cut sources of firewood and to burn it completely on site. To help protect Pennsylvania’s forests and urban trees, “burn it where you buy it.”
People who suspect they have seen emerald ash borer should call the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s toll-free pest hotline at (866) 253-7189. For more information about the quarantine, contact Walt Blosser at (717) 772-5205, and for more information about emerald ash borer, contact Sven-Erik Spichiger at (717) 772-5229.
Information is also available at www.agriculture.state.pa.us/emeraldashborer.
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Garlic mustard puts Quarry Hill at risk
By KEITH WHITCOMB JR., Bennington Banner
POWNAL, VT — Timing is everything with garlic mustard, an invasive species of plant that grows on roadsides and in forests. Spotting it before it flowers is difficult, and going after it too late spreads the seeds.
"It's an evil plant," said David McDevitt, the Southern Vermont land steward with The Nature Conservancy. "There is no easy way to get rid of it."
The most effective way, McDevitt said Thursday atop Quarry Hill, where the Conservancy owns a parcel of land, is to pull it out of the ground by hand. McDevitt and a small number of volunteers have been up Quarry Hill three times this year and pulled nearly 100 pounds of the plant.
Ruth Botzow, a volunteer steward for the local Conservancy lands, said she goes up often on her own time to remove the weed.
The Conservancy acres on Quarry Hill are home to a number of rare and unique plants, which the garlic mustard is crowding out.
McDevitt said garlic mustard is widespread across Vermont and other parts of New England. Some areas in Massachusetts, he said, are so infested that pulling the plants by hand isn't an option. He said two days ago in Manchester, he and other volunteers pulled nearly 400 pounds of garlic mustard out of a preserve.
McDevitt said the seed pods can lie dormant for a number of years, meaning areas have to be continuously worked from year to year before progress is made. "If it's a really infested place, you'll be picking that spot for years until you can say you've beaten it," he said, adding the site on Quarry Hill has seem some progress, although last year was an unusually bad year for garlic mustard.
Read the full story at link.
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Find of Invasive Zebra Mussels Could Spell Serious Damage
By Ashley Halsey III, Washington Post
The discovery of eight shells no bigger than a fingernail in Maryland waters has signaled the arrival of the exotic zebra mussels that have caused an estimated $5 billion in damage to the Great Lakes.
If they spread, the invasive fresh-water mussels could threaten the less-salty waters of the Chesapeake Bay northward from Annapolis.
The zebra mussels found in Maryland apparently were transported on a recreational fishing boat that was plopped from a car trailer into the fresh waters of the Susquehanna River above Conowingo Dam. Whether that handful can get past the Harford County dam and into the Chesapeake may be a multibillion-dollar question.
"If a bit of debris with a zebra mussel on it gets to the dam, it goes through," said Merrie Street, spokeswoman for Conowingo Dam. "There is no filter."
Read the full story at link.
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Adirondack lake stewards try to stop spread of invasive species
By MICHAEL VIRTANEN, Associated Press
ALBANY — When boaters show up this summer to Great Sacandaga Lake in the lower Adirondacks they are likely to be met at public launch sites by stewards asking to check for alien plants or animals.
The stewards, college students, will be looking for aquatic invasive species that have been found so far in about one-quarter of the lakes surveyed in New York’s northern mountains.
They will also ask to check boats leaving the lake, which last fall was the first inland waterway in New York where the spiny water flea was found. They want to keep that small crustacean, native to Eurasia, from spreading to other American lakes and rivers.
“When we move from one waterway to another, we’ve just got go be mindful of what’s hitchhiking,” said Hilary Smith, director of the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program. “We need to include cleaning our boat and gear as part of the sport.”
Using hundreds of volunteers, the program has monitored 216 Adirondack lakes, finding 53 with one or more harmful nonnative plants like Eurasian water milfoil, curly leaf pondweed or water chestnut.
“My sense is we’re going to find more uninvaded lakes than invaded,” Smith said.
Read the full story at link.
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Maryland sends in goats to save turtles
By Michael Dresser Baltimore Sun reporter
A herd of goats coming to the rescue of a handful of imperiled turtles may sound like the plot of a Saturday morning children's cartoon show, but that's just what's happening in the Carroll County town of Hampstead.
The State Highway Administration has enlisted the help of about 40 goats to devour invasive plant species in wetlands along the path of the soon-to-open, 4.4-mile Hampstead Bypass to protect the habitat of the bog turtle - a species listed as threatened in Maryland.
State highway officials decided to give the goats a tryout as four-legged lawn mowers rather than to attack the unwanted vegetation with mechanical mowers that might have killed the diminutive reptiles or damaged their boggy habitat on the fringe of Hampstead. The goats - leased from a local farmer who prefers to remain anonymous - have been on the job for a week, and highway officials say that so far they seem to be up to the task.
Until now, the bog turtles have been getting all of the attention. Highway and environmental officials have spent years hashing out the details of the $85 million bypass, and finding ways for the road and the reptiles to co-exist. The site where the goats are employed was once right in the highway's path, but officials rerouted it to the ridgeline above to avoid the sensitive wetlands.
William L. Branch, a biologist with the highway agency's Office of Environmental Design, said the decision to use goats to swallow up vegetation at the site - which officials prefer not to identify specifically because of the threat of turtle-poaching for the exotic pet trade - was the result of collective brainstorming by state and federal officials on how to build the road without damaging the local turtle population.
Branch said the Hampstead experiment is Maryland's first use of goats in connection with a state road project. He said officials had heard about previous projects using goats to control vegetation in bog turtle habitats in New Jersey and Pennsylvania - two of the other states in the reptile's range.
Read the full story at link.
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Monday, May 4, 2009
Week of May 4, 2009
Updated May 8
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H.R. 669: Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act
H.R. 669 was introduced in January 2009 by Madeleine Bordallo (U.S. Delegate, Guam). The purpose of the bill is to prevent the introduction and establishment of nonnative wildlife species that negatively impact the economy, environment, or other animal species' or human health, and for other purposes. A subcomittee hearing was held on Apr 23. You can watch a video of the hearing here.
The bill would require the Secretary of the Interior to promulgate regulations establishing a process for assessing the risk of all nonnative wildlife species proposed for importation into the United States, other than those included in a list of approved species issued under the Act.
The bill would establish prohibitions on: (1) importation or transportation between states of nonnative species that are not included in the list of approved species; (2) permit violations; and (3) possession, purchase, sale, barter, release, or breeding of such species.
For more information, visit Link 1 and Link 2.
For a view from the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC), visit Link 3.
For a view from The Nature Conservancy, visit Link 4.
For a view from the National Environmental Coalition on Invasive Species (NECIS), visit Link 5
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June 2 workshop: Invasive Plants in the Hudson Valley: A Local Update on Research & Management
This workshop will guide participants in a better understanding of how invasive plants establish in forests, parks, rights-of-ways, and other natural areas. Presenters will address ecological conditions that allow for invasion, a framework of strategies for selecting the appropriate control methods, and updates on species of local concern.
Preregistration required through Cornell University Cooperative Extension Dutchess County. $35 includes full day training, educational mateials, and lunch. Space is limited, registration first come, first serve.
Certification Credits Pending for: NYSDEC Pesticide Categories 2, 3a, 10, 25 and 6; International Society of Arboriculture; and Society of American Foresters. LA Credits, pending approval.
Make checks payable to: Cornell University Cooperative Extension Dutchess County.
Send Registration to:
Cornell University Cooperative
Extension Dutchess County
Farm and Home Center
2715 Route 44, Suite 1
Millbrook, NY 12545
Att: Nancy Halas
Registration and payment must be received by May 22, 2009.
Location: Ladson Park & Arboretum, Somers, NY
Hosted by:
• Cornell University Cooperative Extension of Dutchess and Westchester Counties
• Cornell University Cooperative Extension Department of Natural Resources
in cooperation with:
• The Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation & Conservation
• The Watershed Agricultural Council
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New York State Parks adopts sustainability blueprint, including invasive species
ALBANY, NY (05/04/2009)(readMedia)-- Allowing more lawns to return to meadows and using fewer pesticides are key elements of a new sustainability plan aimed at easing the impact that the daily operations of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) have on natural resources, the agency announced today.
[...]
The plan recommends OPRHP take an integrated approach to designing and constructing buildings and managing landscapes to minimize impact to the natural environment. A critical component is the goal to eliminate pesticides from parks, especially areas frequented by children, such as beaches, playgrounds, picnic areas, ballfields, campgrounds, and hiking trails. The plan acknowledges areas for which targeted pesticide will continue, most notably in the area of golf course management.
Under the pesticide guidelines, all OPRHP facilities and operations, including those of concessionaires, will eliminate pesticide use wherever possible. In instances where they are needed to protect health and safety or control invasive species, as well as at golf courses and arboretums, State Parks will use least toxic chemicals. All facilities will reduce the use of pesticides through Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques, which employs proactive mechanical, sanitary, cultural or biological methods to control pests to the maximum extent possible, with the use of chemicals only as a last resort. Through detailed surveillance, IPM focuses on establishing physical barriers to pests and reducing the food, water and shelter available to them.
To read the full story, visit Link.
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Florida FWC officials plan to spray invasive plants in Deer Point Lake
By S. BRADY CALHOUN / News Herald Writer
BAYOU GEORGE — Water hyacinth is a striking weed that must be destroyed, state officials said this week.
The weed, along with Cuban bulrush, has infested a couple of acres in Deer Point Lake near Bay Head Road, about 4.5 miles north of Deer Point Dam.
Someone introduced the two menaces to the lake, most likely when they dumped out the contents of an aquarium or a water garden, said Matt Phillips, a biologist and invasive plant specialist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Phillips, conducting a tour through Deer Point for the media Thursday, showed off the hyacinth, which has a purple bloom and air bladders to keep the weed afloat. The weeds also grow to about 3 feet in height and will continue to grow in wet soil, even if the lake is drained, he added.
"They (hyacinths) can double in weight in about two weeks," Phillips said.
Cuban bulrush is a grassy-looking weed that also floats above the water and does not naturally grow in Deer Point.
[...]
The FWC plans to combat the problem weeds by using a herbicide. In about a week, the weeds will be sprayed with 2, 4-D amine. This mild herbicide will not cause pollution or other problems in the lake, Phillips said.
The spray work will cost about $1,000, officials said. Florida officials spend about $2.4 million annually to spray for weeds in state waters, Phillips said.
Read the full story at Link
Photo by ROBERT COOPER © The News Herald.
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Retracing the Journey of Two Invasive Species
By HENRY FOUNTAIN, The New York Times
Scientists who study invasive species often start with some basic questions: where and when did the species take hold, and where did it come from? The answers are generally harder to obtain the longer an invader has been around.
Susan H. Brawley of the University of Maine and colleagues have answered those questions for two invasive species, the seaweed known as toothed wrack (Fucus serratus) and the common periwinkle (Littorina littorea), that have been around the coast of northeastern North America for at least 140 years.
Using genetic analyses, ecological data and historical shipping records, the researchers determined that both invaders came from Britain and Ireland to Nova Scotia as a result of the timber trade in that region, which began in the 1770s and peaked after 1815. The species probably hopped the Atlantic on ships’ ballast rock, which was dumped when the ships took on heavy loads of timber. The findings are published in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
In the case of the seaweed, the researchers were able to trace the species to two locations: Galway in Ireland and Greenock in Scotland. The source of the periwinkles could not be pinned down as precisely. The researchers suggest that there must be other, less conspicuous species that took the same invasion route in the 19th century.
Read the full story at Link.
Photo by Galice G. Hoarau - Copyright 2009 The New York Times Company
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May 7 Finger Lakes PRISM meeting
The next Finger Lakes PRISM meeting will take place this Thursday, May 7th at the Montezuma Audubon Center from 10 am – 1 pm.
Attached is a very general agenda, but please note that this meeting features two speakers. Bin Zhu of Finger Lakes Institute will be presenting on his latest research on aquatic invasive species in the Finger Lakes. And Mark Whitmore, from Cornell University will be presenting on hemlock wooly adelgid, Asian longhorned beetle and emerald ash borer.
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Group vetoes chemical treatment of New Hampshire pond
By Eric Parry, EagleTribune.com
There won't be any chemicals used to treat milfoil in Big Island Pond this summer.
The Big Island Pond Corp. decided at a meeting Tuesday not to use the herbicide 2,4-D to treat the 50-acre pond that stretches across Derry, Hampstead and Atkinson, N.H.
Instead, the lake association is relying on a harvester and a team of divers to clean up the exotic nuisance plant this summer, according to Kevin Magner, president of the lake association.
"We're going to re-evaluate at the end of the year and see how it did," Magner said.
The harvester is a 30-foot pontoon boat fitted with a pump, 4-inch hoses, and a perforated deck that allows volunteers to collect the weed in bags and lets the water flow back into the pond.
A team of divers will pull the milfoil up by its roots and suction the plants through the hose to the boat deck.
Applications of 2,4-D were supposed to start in June. The lake corporation applied for funding through the state Department of Environmental Services to spread the chemical, according to DES limnologist Jody Connor. The chemical treatment was recommended in the first year of a five-year plan designed for the pond, Magner said. The lake association adopted the plan last year, and this summer would have been the first season the plan was put into action.
But just a few months ago, the lake association purchased the pontoon boat with the help of the New Hampshire Lake Association. Since then, a small group of lake residents have been working on the boat and planned to take it out for the first time over the weekend.
Connor said the Big Island Pond Corp. was only one of eight selected from 30 applications to receive some funding from the state to treat invasive aquatic plants. The DES had already committed to spending $7,000 of the $23,490 cost to spread the chemical, he said. Money for treatment comes from boating registrations in the state, according to Connor.
Although it's happened in the past, it's rare that a lake association or municipality would withdraw its request for funding. Removing the plant using just divers and the harvester can be a time-consuming task, Connor said.
"Typically, when someone has a bad exotic plant, they don't want to live with it and they want to deal with it," Connor said. The chemical is widely used in other bodies of water in the state to treat milfoil, but some residents along the pond said they were still concerned about the long-term effects it would have on the pond.
"The less chemicals we use on anything the better," said Patricia Goodridge, one of the board members who voted against using the chemical.
Read the story at Link
-------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey middle school state finalists with invasive species project
From Green Right Now Reports
Twenty-two teams of U.S. middle school students have been named state finalists in the inaugural Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge, in which the students were asked to “go green” by creating and implementing environmental change in their local communities. Two national winning teams and one grand prize-winning team will be chosen and announced on May 18.
The Millburn Mustangs team analyzed the harmful effects of the prevalent Norway Maple tree on their growing community. The team members determined that this non-native, invasive tree was a threat to the ecosystem due to its dominance over other species of trees. The Mustangs teamed up with the town’s forester and through surveys, presentations and direct mailings they persuaded 87% of survey participants to replace their Norway Maple trees with other native trees provided by the city.
School: Millburn Middle School, New Jersey
Students: Brannon, Nils, Erik
Teacher/Mentor: Michelle Cho
--------------------------------------------------------
Diver Assisted Milfoil Machine – A New Tool for Managing Exotic Aquatic Plants
by Scott Ashley, Jody Connor and Amy Smagula, New Hampshire DES Limnologists in "The Sampler" Spring 2009
For the past two years, limnologists with the DES Biology Section, in cooperation with several individuals including divers and fabrication specialists, have developed a diver-assisted suction harvester device (milfoil machine or DAMM) to assist with managing exotic aquatic plant growth in New Hampshire’s waterbodies.
Exotic aquatic plant managers understand the importance of the integrated approach to provide long-term and more effective control of exotic plant infestations. A combination of scaled approaches is the proven method to manage exotic plants. The DAMM unit is one more tool available for the control of exotic plants in New Hampshire.
What It Is
The DAMM is essentially an aquatic vacuum cleaner used by divers to remove hand-pulled exotic plants and their roots from bottom sediments. This device is operated by specially licensed divers who hold Weed Control Diver certification through the Professional Association of Dive Instructors. The suction harvester is best suited to physically manage small to moderately sized infestations. However, a suction harvester has been working in large infested areas of Smith Cove, Lake Winnipesaukee, for the past two summers and is making excellent progress at controlling the variable milfoil growth in the cove.
The unit is constructed on a floating platform, such as a pontoon boat, barge, or even a swim platform mounted on pontoons. The deck of the platform is modified by cutting a 2’ x 3’ rectangle in the floor. The floor hole is lined with a plant collection net that retains any plants and roots that are suctioned from the
bottom sediments. Mounted on the deck is a vortex pump to draw plants pulled by the diver. A special low-density, large-diameter hose connected to the pump extends into the water from the vessel is used by the divers to suction the bottom plants. A certified diver works to systematically handremove the exotic plant by the roots and then feeds the plant and the roots up the hose. The plants, water and a small amount of sediment are discharged into the net-lined cut-out in the platform. The water filters through the net fabric while the plants remain in the net.
The deckhand sorts through the net contents to remove and set free any mussels or other aquatic life, then scoops the plants into a 20 gallon bucket or container to measure actual exotic plants and root volumes removed from the system. The material is then bagged for disposal in a landfill or compost site that is located a distance from a surface waterbody.
During the summer of 2008, the DES-operated harvester pulled over 3,000 gallons of milfoil.
For maximum cost effectiveness, the DAMM is best used for small to moderately sized infestations. It is not a technique that can be cost effective when used in a large areas of exotic aquatic plant infestation. The most cost effective method for large area infestations is the use of permitted herbicides by licensed applicators. Also, DAMM is not intended for use in controlling native aquatic plants.
Read the full story at Link
---------------------------------------------------------
Conference: Invasive Species in Coastal Dunes and Maritime Forests, July 16-17 2009
Georgian Court University in Lakewood New Jersey is joining with the New Jersey Sea Grant / NJ Marine Science Consortium to sponsor a conference on Invasive Species in Coastal Dunes and Maritime Forests that will be hosted at Georgian Court this summer. The conference will be held on July 16-17 with an optional field trip to these habitats on July 15. For details on registration, abstract submission, accommodations etc. please visit the conference WebPages at
http://www.georgian.edu/dunes/index.htm. Hope to see you there!
---------------------------------------------------------
Conference: Complicating Factors in Invasive Plant Management: Circumstances Beyond Our Control? August 11 and 12, 2009
Register online at www.morrisarboretum.org
To be held at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, PA
Schedule and Registration Brochure
---------------------------------------------------------
Pesticide is added to the longhorned beetle battle
WORCESTER, MA — The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans next year to step up its campaign to eradicate the Asian longhorned beetle by chemically treating trees in the city that are susceptible to the arbor-killing insect.
Suzanne Bond, a USDA spokeswoman, told the Telegram & Gazette that the massive federal treatment will most likely begin in the spring of 2010 after experts have a better idea of how widespread the infestation is.
The invasive beetles have been reported in Worcester, West Boylston, Boylston, Shrewsbury and Holden.
Michael P. Gilleberto of the city manager’s office said about 21,000 trees have already been taken down in the Greendale and Burncoat neighborhoods of Worcester in an attempt to prevent the insect’s spread.
[...]
Ms. Bond said the treatments will be paid for out of the $24.5 million allocated by the USDA this year to battle the infestation in Massachusetts. That money is also being used for research, surveys, removal of infested trees, public outreach and regulatory programs aimed at preventing the transportation of wood from infested areas.
USDA officials said the treatments will be conducted annually for at least three years.
Similar treatments have been done in Chicago, New York and two regions in New Jersey, the other areas infested by the bug.
In New York City, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has hired certified pesticide companies to treat 26,132 hardwood trees on Staten Island and 39,626 trees in Brooklyn and Queens. In Linden, N.J., 1,096 trees are being treated.
Ms. Bond said the trees are being treated with imidacloprid, the chemical found to be most effective in battling the insect.
[...]
Imidacloprid, which is commonly used in the lawn care industry to kill grubs and in treatments to rid pets of fleas, disperses through a tree’s vascular system.
When adult beetles emerge from tree bark during the summer, they munch on twigs and leaves that have become laced with the poison. Larvae feeding within the tree are also killed.
Officials said imidacloprid was used in successful campaigns against the beetles in Chicago and in New Jersey’s Hudson County.
Federal officials said the chemical offers little risk to humans or pets and, as in other places, it will be either injected into tree bark or put deep in the ground around the base of trees.
Read the full story at Link
---------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------
H.R. 669: Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act
H.R. 669 was introduced in January 2009 by Madeleine Bordallo (U.S. Delegate, Guam). The purpose of the bill is to prevent the introduction and establishment of nonnative wildlife species that negatively impact the economy, environment, or other animal species' or human health, and for other purposes. A subcomittee hearing was held on Apr 23. You can watch a video of the hearing here.
The bill would require the Secretary of the Interior to promulgate regulations establishing a process for assessing the risk of all nonnative wildlife species proposed for importation into the United States, other than those included in a list of approved species issued under the Act.
The bill would establish prohibitions on: (1) importation or transportation between states of nonnative species that are not included in the list of approved species; (2) permit violations; and (3) possession, purchase, sale, barter, release, or breeding of such species.
For more information, visit Link 1 and Link 2.
For a view from the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC), visit Link 3.
For a view from The Nature Conservancy, visit Link 4.
For a view from the National Environmental Coalition on Invasive Species (NECIS), visit Link 5
----------------------------------------------------------
June 2 workshop: Invasive Plants in the Hudson Valley: A Local Update on Research & Management
This workshop will guide participants in a better understanding of how invasive plants establish in forests, parks, rights-of-ways, and other natural areas. Presenters will address ecological conditions that allow for invasion, a framework of strategies for selecting the appropriate control methods, and updates on species of local concern.Preregistration required through Cornell University Cooperative Extension Dutchess County. $35 includes full day training, educational mateials, and lunch. Space is limited, registration first come, first serve.
Certification Credits Pending for: NYSDEC Pesticide Categories 2, 3a, 10, 25 and 6; International Society of Arboriculture; and Society of American Foresters. LA Credits, pending approval.
Make checks payable to: Cornell University Cooperative Extension Dutchess County.
Send Registration to:
Cornell University Cooperative
Extension Dutchess County
Farm and Home Center
2715 Route 44, Suite 1
Millbrook, NY 12545
Att: Nancy Halas
Registration and payment must be received by May 22, 2009.
Location: Ladson Park & Arboretum, Somers, NY
Hosted by:
• Cornell University Cooperative Extension of Dutchess and Westchester Counties
• Cornell University Cooperative Extension Department of Natural Resources
in cooperation with:
• The Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation & Conservation
• The Watershed Agricultural Council
---------------------------------------------------------
New York State Parks adopts sustainability blueprint, including invasive species
ALBANY, NY (05/04/2009)(readMedia)-- Allowing more lawns to return to meadows and using fewer pesticides are key elements of a new sustainability plan aimed at easing the impact that the daily operations of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) have on natural resources, the agency announced today.
[...]
The plan recommends OPRHP take an integrated approach to designing and constructing buildings and managing landscapes to minimize impact to the natural environment. A critical component is the goal to eliminate pesticides from parks, especially areas frequented by children, such as beaches, playgrounds, picnic areas, ballfields, campgrounds, and hiking trails. The plan acknowledges areas for which targeted pesticide will continue, most notably in the area of golf course management.
Under the pesticide guidelines, all OPRHP facilities and operations, including those of concessionaires, will eliminate pesticide use wherever possible. In instances where they are needed to protect health and safety or control invasive species, as well as at golf courses and arboretums, State Parks will use least toxic chemicals. All facilities will reduce the use of pesticides through Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques, which employs proactive mechanical, sanitary, cultural or biological methods to control pests to the maximum extent possible, with the use of chemicals only as a last resort. Through detailed surveillance, IPM focuses on establishing physical barriers to pests and reducing the food, water and shelter available to them.
To read the full story, visit Link.
--------------------------------------------------------
Florida FWC officials plan to spray invasive plants in Deer Point Lake
By S. BRADY CALHOUN / News Herald Writer
BAYOU GEORGE — Water hyacinth is a striking weed that must be destroyed, state officials said this week.
The weed, along with Cuban bulrush, has infested a couple of acres in Deer Point Lake near Bay Head Road, about 4.5 miles north of Deer Point Dam.Someone introduced the two menaces to the lake, most likely when they dumped out the contents of an aquarium or a water garden, said Matt Phillips, a biologist and invasive plant specialist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Phillips, conducting a tour through Deer Point for the media Thursday, showed off the hyacinth, which has a purple bloom and air bladders to keep the weed afloat. The weeds also grow to about 3 feet in height and will continue to grow in wet soil, even if the lake is drained, he added.
"They (hyacinths) can double in weight in about two weeks," Phillips said.
Cuban bulrush is a grassy-looking weed that also floats above the water and does not naturally grow in Deer Point.
[...]
The FWC plans to combat the problem weeds by using a herbicide. In about a week, the weeds will be sprayed with 2, 4-D amine. This mild herbicide will not cause pollution or other problems in the lake, Phillips said.
The spray work will cost about $1,000, officials said. Florida officials spend about $2.4 million annually to spray for weeds in state waters, Phillips said.
Read the full story at Link
Photo by ROBERT COOPER © The News Herald.
---------------------------------------------------------
Retracing the Journey of Two Invasive Species
By HENRY FOUNTAIN, The New York Times
Scientists who study invasive species often start with some basic questions: where and when did the species take hold, and where did it come from? The answers are generally harder to obtain the longer an invader has been around.
Susan H. Brawley of the University of Maine and colleagues have answered those questions for two invasive species, the seaweed known as toothed wrack (Fucus serratus) and the common periwinkle (Littorina littorea), that have been around the coast of northeastern North America for at least 140 years.Using genetic analyses, ecological data and historical shipping records, the researchers determined that both invaders came from Britain and Ireland to Nova Scotia as a result of the timber trade in that region, which began in the 1770s and peaked after 1815. The species probably hopped the Atlantic on ships’ ballast rock, which was dumped when the ships took on heavy loads of timber. The findings are published in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
In the case of the seaweed, the researchers were able to trace the species to two locations: Galway in Ireland and Greenock in Scotland. The source of the periwinkles could not be pinned down as precisely. The researchers suggest that there must be other, less conspicuous species that took the same invasion route in the 19th century.
Read the full story at Link.
Photo by Galice G. Hoarau - Copyright 2009 The New York Times Company
--------------------------------------------------
May 7 Finger Lakes PRISM meeting
The next Finger Lakes PRISM meeting will take place this Thursday, May 7th at the Montezuma Audubon Center from 10 am – 1 pm.
Attached is a very general agenda, but please note that this meeting features two speakers. Bin Zhu of Finger Lakes Institute will be presenting on his latest research on aquatic invasive species in the Finger Lakes. And Mark Whitmore, from Cornell University will be presenting on hemlock wooly adelgid, Asian longhorned beetle and emerald ash borer.
--------------------------------------------------
Group vetoes chemical treatment of New Hampshire pond
By Eric Parry, EagleTribune.com
There won't be any chemicals used to treat milfoil in Big Island Pond this summer.
The Big Island Pond Corp. decided at a meeting Tuesday not to use the herbicide 2,4-D to treat the 50-acre pond that stretches across Derry, Hampstead and Atkinson, N.H.
Instead, the lake association is relying on a harvester and a team of divers to clean up the exotic nuisance plant this summer, according to Kevin Magner, president of the lake association.
"We're going to re-evaluate at the end of the year and see how it did," Magner said.
The harvester is a 30-foot pontoon boat fitted with a pump, 4-inch hoses, and a perforated deck that allows volunteers to collect the weed in bags and lets the water flow back into the pond.
A team of divers will pull the milfoil up by its roots and suction the plants through the hose to the boat deck.
Applications of 2,4-D were supposed to start in June. The lake corporation applied for funding through the state Department of Environmental Services to spread the chemical, according to DES limnologist Jody Connor. The chemical treatment was recommended in the first year of a five-year plan designed for the pond, Magner said. The lake association adopted the plan last year, and this summer would have been the first season the plan was put into action.
But just a few months ago, the lake association purchased the pontoon boat with the help of the New Hampshire Lake Association. Since then, a small group of lake residents have been working on the boat and planned to take it out for the first time over the weekend.
Connor said the Big Island Pond Corp. was only one of eight selected from 30 applications to receive some funding from the state to treat invasive aquatic plants. The DES had already committed to spending $7,000 of the $23,490 cost to spread the chemical, he said. Money for treatment comes from boating registrations in the state, according to Connor.
Although it's happened in the past, it's rare that a lake association or municipality would withdraw its request for funding. Removing the plant using just divers and the harvester can be a time-consuming task, Connor said.
"Typically, when someone has a bad exotic plant, they don't want to live with it and they want to deal with it," Connor said. The chemical is widely used in other bodies of water in the state to treat milfoil, but some residents along the pond said they were still concerned about the long-term effects it would have on the pond.
"The less chemicals we use on anything the better," said Patricia Goodridge, one of the board members who voted against using the chemical.
Read the story at Link
-------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey middle school state finalists with invasive species project
From Green Right Now Reports
Twenty-two teams of U.S. middle school students have been named state finalists in the inaugural Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge, in which the students were asked to “go green” by creating and implementing environmental change in their local communities. Two national winning teams and one grand prize-winning team will be chosen and announced on May 18.
The Millburn Mustangs team analyzed the harmful effects of the prevalent Norway Maple tree on their growing community. The team members determined that this non-native, invasive tree was a threat to the ecosystem due to its dominance over other species of trees. The Mustangs teamed up with the town’s forester and through surveys, presentations and direct mailings they persuaded 87% of survey participants to replace their Norway Maple trees with other native trees provided by the city.School: Millburn Middle School, New Jersey
Students: Brannon, Nils, Erik
Teacher/Mentor: Michelle Cho
--------------------------------------------------------
Diver Assisted Milfoil Machine – A New Tool for Managing Exotic Aquatic Plants
by Scott Ashley, Jody Connor and Amy Smagula, New Hampshire DES Limnologists in "The Sampler" Spring 2009
For the past two years, limnologists with the DES Biology Section, in cooperation with several individuals including divers and fabrication specialists, have developed a diver-assisted suction harvester device (milfoil machine or DAMM) to assist with managing exotic aquatic plant growth in New Hampshire’s waterbodies.
Exotic aquatic plant managers understand the importance of the integrated approach to provide long-term and more effective control of exotic plant infestations. A combination of scaled approaches is the proven method to manage exotic plants. The DAMM unit is one more tool available for the control of exotic plants in New Hampshire.
What It Is
The DAMM is essentially an aquatic vacuum cleaner used by divers to remove hand-pulled exotic plants and their roots from bottom sediments. This device is operated by specially licensed divers who hold Weed Control Diver certification through the Professional Association of Dive Instructors. The suction harvester is best suited to physically manage small to moderately sized infestations. However, a suction harvester has been working in large infested areas of Smith Cove, Lake Winnipesaukee, for the past two summers and is making excellent progress at controlling the variable milfoil growth in the cove.The unit is constructed on a floating platform, such as a pontoon boat, barge, or even a swim platform mounted on pontoons. The deck of the platform is modified by cutting a 2’ x 3’ rectangle in the floor. The floor hole is lined with a plant collection net that retains any plants and roots that are suctioned from the
bottom sediments. Mounted on the deck is a vortex pump to draw plants pulled by the diver. A special low-density, large-diameter hose connected to the pump extends into the water from the vessel is used by the divers to suction the bottom plants. A certified diver works to systematically handremove the exotic plant by the roots and then feeds the plant and the roots up the hose. The plants, water and a small amount of sediment are discharged into the net-lined cut-out in the platform. The water filters through the net fabric while the plants remain in the net.
The deckhand sorts through the net contents to remove and set free any mussels or other aquatic life, then scoops the plants into a 20 gallon bucket or container to measure actual exotic plants and root volumes removed from the system. The material is then bagged for disposal in a landfill or compost site that is located a distance from a surface waterbody.
During the summer of 2008, the DES-operated harvester pulled over 3,000 gallons of milfoil.
For maximum cost effectiveness, the DAMM is best used for small to moderately sized infestations. It is not a technique that can be cost effective when used in a large areas of exotic aquatic plant infestation. The most cost effective method for large area infestations is the use of permitted herbicides by licensed applicators. Also, DAMM is not intended for use in controlling native aquatic plants.
Read the full story at Link
---------------------------------------------------------
Conference: Invasive Species in Coastal Dunes and Maritime Forests, July 16-17 2009
Georgian Court University in Lakewood New Jersey is joining with the New Jersey Sea Grant / NJ Marine Science Consortium to sponsor a conference on Invasive Species in Coastal Dunes and Maritime Forests that will be hosted at Georgian Court this summer. The conference will be held on July 16-17 with an optional field trip to these habitats on July 15. For details on registration, abstract submission, accommodations etc. please visit the conference WebPages at
http://www.georgian.edu/dunes/index.htm. Hope to see you there!
---------------------------------------------------------
Conference: Complicating Factors in Invasive Plant Management: Circumstances Beyond Our Control? August 11 and 12, 2009
Register online at www.morrisarboretum.org
To be held at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, PA
Schedule and Registration Brochure
---------------------------------------------------------
Pesticide is added to the longhorned beetle battle
WORCESTER, MA — The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans next year to step up its campaign to eradicate the Asian longhorned beetle by chemically treating trees in the city that are susceptible to the arbor-killing insect.
Suzanne Bond, a USDA spokeswoman, told the Telegram & Gazette that the massive federal treatment will most likely begin in the spring of 2010 after experts have a better idea of how widespread the infestation is.
The invasive beetles have been reported in Worcester, West Boylston, Boylston, Shrewsbury and Holden.
Michael P. Gilleberto of the city manager’s office said about 21,000 trees have already been taken down in the Greendale and Burncoat neighborhoods of Worcester in an attempt to prevent the insect’s spread.
[...]
Ms. Bond said the treatments will be paid for out of the $24.5 million allocated by the USDA this year to battle the infestation in Massachusetts. That money is also being used for research, surveys, removal of infested trees, public outreach and regulatory programs aimed at preventing the transportation of wood from infested areas.
USDA officials said the treatments will be conducted annually for at least three years.
Similar treatments have been done in Chicago, New York and two regions in New Jersey, the other areas infested by the bug.
In New York City, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has hired certified pesticide companies to treat 26,132 hardwood trees on Staten Island and 39,626 trees in Brooklyn and Queens. In Linden, N.J., 1,096 trees are being treated.
Ms. Bond said the trees are being treated with imidacloprid, the chemical found to be most effective in battling the insect.
[...]
Imidacloprid, which is commonly used in the lawn care industry to kill grubs and in treatments to rid pets of fleas, disperses through a tree’s vascular system.
When adult beetles emerge from tree bark during the summer, they munch on twigs and leaves that have become laced with the poison. Larvae feeding within the tree are also killed.
Officials said imidacloprid was used in successful campaigns against the beetles in Chicago and in New Jersey’s Hudson County.
Federal officials said the chemical offers little risk to humans or pets and, as in other places, it will be either injected into tree bark or put deep in the ground around the base of trees.
Read the full story at Link
---------------------------------------------------------
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