February 22-28 is Invasive Species Awareness Week and it provided an opportunity to discuss a variety of invasive species issues affecting Pennsylvania. Here’s a sampling of articles on that topic and some ideas of how you can help.
DCNR Blog: Invasive Species - How Do They Get Here?
By: Ryan Reed, Natural Resource Program Specialist, DCNR Bureau of Forestry
All over the world, invasive species cause harm to ecosystems on a widespread scale in terms of reducing biodiversity -- the diversity of plant, wildlife, and other species within a specific area.
Biodiversity is the life support system of our planet -- we depend on it for the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water we drink.
When invasive species enter an environment, they can take over and out-compete native plants and wildlife which impacts the diversity of species within that environment.
DCNR Blog: Newly Emerging Invasives In PA - Have You Seen These Plants?
By: Andrew Rohrbaugh, Botanist, Ecological Services Section, DCNR Bureau of Forestry
In any battle, it is important to know your enemy; and the fight against invasive species in Pennsylvania is no different.
Invasive plants are those not native to the Commonwealth, grow aggressively, spread quickly, and displace native vegetation.
DCNR Blog: A Little Help From Our Little Friends - Spotted Knapweed Biocontrol
By Andrew Rohrbaugh, Botanist, Ecological Services Section, DCNR Bureau of Forestry
Spotted knapweed is an aggressive invader that will colonize disturbed sites such as roadsides, farm fields, railroad beds, recently installed utility lines, and overgrazed land.
In Pennsylvania, spotted knapweed also can be found in dry woods, fields, and barrens.
Infestation of this plant generally leads to a decline in biodiversity because the invasive plant chokes out native vegetation.
DCNR Blog: Gypsy Moth In Pennsylvania
By: Ryan Reed, Natural Resource Program Specialist, DCNR Bureau of Forestry
Gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) is a serious forest pest and is responsible for killing millions of oak and other species of trees across the state.
PA Sea Grant: Help Stop Aquatic Invasive Species By Using PA Sea Grant's Reporting App
Aquatic invasive species (AIS) pose a significant threat to Pennsylvania’s economy, freshwater resources, and native aquatic species. Pennsylvania Sea Grant can now say, ‘there’s an app for that’ with the launch of “PA AIS,” a new, easy-to-use smart phone application.
Resource Links:
-- Governor’s Invasive Species Council - Management Plan
-- DCNR: Invasive Plants In Pennsylvania
-- Agriculture: Noxious, Invasive and Poisonous Plant Program
-- Fish & Boat Commission: Aquatic Invasive Species
-- Fish & Boat Commission - Clean Your Gear To Reduce The Spread Of Invasives
-- PA Sea Grant: Aquatic Invasive Species Resources
-- National Invasive Species Awareness Week - Feb. 22-28
[Posted: February 27, 2021] PA Environment Digest
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