Tadpole kit can pose danger to environment Dec 22, 2008
Montana hopes to avoid establishment of invasive species through the current exotic species program and laws, but can only do so with the help of Montana s citizens. Not Yet Rated. (Helena Independent Record, MT)
EPA permit requires ballast water exchange Dec 20, 2008
The Environmental Protection Agency included the requirement in a general permit issued Thursday under a court order requiring it to regulate water discharges from ships to protect native ecosystems (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Indigenous insights help save coral reefs Dec 20, 2008
Earlier this year, a landmark global survey found virtually every reef on the planet was dying off - from Indonesia to Kenya, Hawaii to Australia - the victims of warmer temperatures, acidic waters, pollution, and invasive species like the crown-of-thorns starfish. The most vulnerable reefs are in the so-called "Coral Triangle", which covers waters off Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and East Timor. (ABC Online)
Take a hike: An easy San Pedro River stroll Dec 20, 2008
A pile of tumbleweeds becomes a lesson in invasive species and how they crowd out native plants. There are many variations of this hike. (AZCentral -- Travel)
Proposed state budget cuts environmental programs Dec 19, 2008
ALBANY Money for invasive species control, farmland protection, waterfront revitalization and a host of other environmental programs would be reduced under the 121. 1 billion budget proposed by Gov. David Paterson. (Auburn Citizen, NY)
Hawaii state auditor criticizes Superferry exemption law Dec 19, 2008
While the law includes operating conditions to protect humpback whales and deter the spread of invasive species, the auditor contends that it suppresses other environmental safeguards by allowing Superferry to operate and use state harbors while the environmental review is conducted. The auditor also questioned the value of $40 million in state harbor improvements for Superferry now that the company has chosen to outfit a second catamaran and may retrofit the Alakai to include on-board... (Honolulu Advertiser)
Hard work... and soft sheets Dec 18, 2008
"This is no good," Nae'ole says, pointing to a guava tree, an invasive species that is killing a native koa tree. He strings a marker onto the guava, which will be cut down later that day. (Globe and Mail)
Click here to read about a planned restoration project. Dec 17, 2008
The invasive species crowds out mangroves -- already decimated by development -- and eliminates the opportunity for wildlife diversity. Karen Stauderman, a University of Florida extension agent in DeLand, said Brazilian pepper trees like salty soil. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
Zebra mussels in the news - again. Will Washington help? (1) Dec 15, 2008
Legislation concerning invasive species has been introduced for years and has been assigned to the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee - Inhofe serves as that committee s chairman. But no matter what Congress comes up with, it will be too little too late for the lakes that are affected at this time. (Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise, OK)
Lost tortoise found on Maui Dec 14, 2008
The Maui Invasive Species Committee is looking for the turtle s owner ... The Maui Invasive Species Committee is looking for the turtle s owner. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Column: Hanover native shares his Americorps experiences Dec 13, 2008
Hurricane Katrina scattered the seeds of an invasive species called Chinese tallow which inhibits the growth of other native plants. Our job was to uproot and diminish the tallow population as much as possible. (Hanover Mariner, MA)
Invasive zebra mussels found in Md. river Dec 12, 2008
"By taking a few simple precautionary steps now, boater and anglers can help prevent the devastating economic impact and ecological havoc caused by this invasive species." ... Boaters and anglers who use the Susquehanna, the only water body in Maryland where zebra mussels have been found, should be particularly careful to avoid spreading these invasive species to other state waters. (ESPN -- Outdoors)
World's coral reefs vanishing, report says Dec 11, 2008
In some parts of the world overfishing, pollution and invasive species are proving equally harmful. Scientists are warning that reef destruction will have alarming consequences for around 500 million people who rely on coral reefs for their livelihood. (CNN)
Cool weather brings first of season's birds Dec 11, 2008
They are among dozens of exotic, nonnative plants - so-called invasive species - that threaten to run amok in Georgia s forests, choke out native species and greatly alter the natural landscape ... Our mission last week was to remove or incapacitate as many of the invasive species as we could at a small wetland called Hedden Creek bog. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Living)
Letters for Thursday, December 11, 2008 Dec 11, 2008
Fishponds such as Alekoko have become increasingly infested by invasive species. With little care this fishpond has become overgrown with mangrove. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Report: Greenhouse effect kills nearly 1/5 corals00004000 Dec 11, 2008
The main climate threats, such as increasing sea surface temperatures and seawater acidification, are being exacerbated by other threats including over fishing, pollution and invasive species. Encouragingly, the report said 45 percent of the world's reefs are currently healthy. (Xinhuanet, China)
Snail, Slug Invasions In Hawaii Dec 10, 2008
9, 2008) Hawai`i's ongoing problem with invasive species such as snails and slugs, including their serious impact on plant nurseries and other aspects of the local horticultural industry, has been investigated and documented by four University of Hawai`i at M noa researchers. It is the first documented baseline compilation of the distributions of all snail and slug species associated with the horticultural industry throughout the Hawaiian Islands. (Science Daily)
Fifth of world's corals already dead, say experts Dec 10, 2008
Experts say the coral die-off has several causes, including local pollution, overfishing and invasive species. But, they say, rising ocean temperatures caused by the greenhouse effect, and acidification, caused by the ocean's absorption of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, are probably the biggest triggers. (Yahoo News -- Top Stories)
Kulongoski: BLM forest plan incomplete Dec 10, 2008
Kulongoski set conditions for any revisions to BLM policy in January, which included BLM compliance with the Endangered Species Act and aid in recovery of listed species, use of best management practices to restore freshwater fish habitat and the provision of a sustainable mix of outdoor recreational opportunities and aggressive plans to control or eradicate new invasive species on BLM lands. Congress will have to approve funding for the plan, but final approval rests with the Department of the... (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
Invasive Plants Target of Grant Dec 10, 2008
According to the DEP, invasive species are harmful to the state's terrestrial and aquatic natural resources and decrease the recreational, aesthetic and economic values of those resources. The deadline for applying for the grant was December 8. (Voices, CT)
Learn how to catch runoff Dec 9, 2008
These locally grown Norfolk pine trees stay green longer, don't shed needles, are specially cut to grow back, and avoid invasive species. Plus, Helemano Farms donates a portion or the proceeds back to the Kokua Hawai'i Foundation if you mention it. (Honolulu Advertiser)
State needs to renew battle with invasive species Dec 6, 2008
The barrier protecting Hawai'i from invasive species is a weak one, and without prompt action by the state, the threat to our environment is sure to grow ... Lingle makes a persuasive argument that the fee, as it's now calculated, would punish shippers of cargo oil, for example, or frozen foods that is relatively heavy but is not a likely carrier of invasive species ... This is just one sector of Hawai'i's vast load of imported goods, so the vulnerabilities to invasive species on multiple... (Honolulu Advertiser)
Yeah, Lingle's busy, but ... Dec 6, 2008
Unveil a car that runs on invasive species limu or Ala Wai sludge and all of Hawai'i be impressed. Show us a stubby little Nissan that runs on electricity and we'll grab copies of our current HECO bills and tell you to save it, Auntie, I can only afford to walk. (Honolulu Advertiser)
State buys 1,300-acres on the Big Island for conservation Dec 4, 2008
The state says the forest is home to diverse native flora and is largely free of invasive species ... The state says the forest is home to diverse native flora and is largely free of invasive species. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Researchers examine role of soil patterns in dam restoration Dec 4, 2008
"Because you don't have the patterns of heterogeneity that allow diverse plant communities to establish, invasive species can come in and move quickly through the area," says Harrington. At the same time, the sediments also contained definite gradients in density, moisture and other factors, which were laid down when the dam was breached. (EurekAlert!)
Ant invader knocks on UK's door Dec 3, 2008
Although superficially similar in appearance to the common black garden ant, the invasive species is very different in its behaviour, and particularly in the social structure within colonies ... However, for an invasive species it is a highly advantageous trait. (BBC News)
UH team warns of invasive pests burrowing in isles Dec 3, 2008
The nurseries each had from one to 17 invasive species, even though some said they had none ... " One alien species is often found in garden stores supplied by nurseries, "which is of particular concern in nurseries that are supplying native Hawaiian plants for restoration of damaged Hawaiian ecosystems," the biologists said. For instance, plants being supplied by some nurseries to restore native habitats on Kahoolawe are infested with non-native snails, Cowie noted. The environmental impact of... (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Silver carp found in Mississippi at La Crosse Dec 3, 2008
The DNR, its Minnesota and Iowa counterparts and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be monitoring commercial fish hauls to watch for the invasive species, he said. He urged anyone who finds one of the fish to report it. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
UH researchers compile data on snail, slug species in Hawaii Dec 1, 2008
The compilation was designed to help the state deal with its ongoing problem with invasive species, including their serious impact on plant nurseries and other aspects of the local horticultural industry. The data gathered by the four UH researchers is in the October-December 2008 issue of the International Journal of Pest Management. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Urgency in the air as climate talks commence Dec 1, 2008
"The first (measure) is to buffer ecosystems against climate-related disturbances like improving fire management to reduce the risk of uncontrolled wildfires or the control of invasive species," said Bruno Locatelli, a CIFOR scientist and lead author of the report. "The second would help forests to evolve toward new states better suited to the altered climate. In this way we evolve with the changing climate rather than resist it.". (Jakarta Post, Indonesia)
Where the wild things were Nov 29, 2008
The 10 million prairie hens in the Illinois of Twain's day have diminished to a mere 300 birds; his terrapin struggle to survive amid wounded Eastern wetlands; his titanic Lahontan cutthroat "lake trout, from Tahoe" were killed off by over-fishing and the introduction of invasive species. Tasting some of Twain's wild things is impossible or illegal, or limited to dedicated hunters and fishermen. (International Herald Tribune -- Ed/Op)
Climate change puts forests and people at risk, adaptation needed to avert crisis Nov 28, 2008
"The first is to buffer ecosystems against climate-related disturbances like improving fire management to reduce the risk of uncontrolled wildfires or the control of invasive species. In plantations, we can select species that are better suited to coping with the predicted changes in climate. The second would help forests to evolve towards new states better suited to the altered climate. In this way we evolve with the changing climate rather than resist it.". A second adaptive response is to... (EurekAlert!)
Maui Christmas tree grower hoping for the best Nov 27, 2008
The tree shipments were inspected for invasive species, said Janelle Saneishi, spokeswoman for the state Department of Agriculture. Thirty-eight containers arrived Nov. 15 and were inspected the next day, she said. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Land iguanas under continuing threat on Galapagos archipelago Nov 27, 2008
Combined with the eradication of invasive species at some locations, this patchwork of dedicated conservation efforts by the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Galpagos National Park Service has undoubtedly preserved some native species from extinction, but unfortunately the records of these activities were not always detailed. As a result, the genetic diversity of captive and reintroduced populations is uncertain. (EurekAlert!)
Eco groups aim to restore 'balance' to local mountains Nov 27, 2008
" Peter Massey, a grants manager for TreePeople, said that land restoration was important to preserving value and pegged the collapse of human ecosystems to loss of trees. He likens the current state of deforestation and proliferation of invasive species to what happened to the American mid-west in the 1930s."They plowed under the prairie grasses with deep roots that hold the soil down," Massey said. "We ended up with the Dust Bowls. "Accordingly, the project's goal is to replant as many native... (Malibu Times, CA)
Give 'em the hook Nov 26, 2008
Others suspect other culprits in the smelt's decline, such as pollutants, invasive species and drought. Only the pumps, however, offer the huge, adverse impacts on the water supply for 25 million residents. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Opinion)
Red tides stemmed by 'Alien'-like parasites Nov 25, 2008
Using a new technique that allows researchers to track the parasites as they infect the plankton with fluorescent markers, Guillou and her colleagues were able to monitor both an invasive species of plankton and the parasites for three years in a coastal estuary in France ... "We hypothesize that when a bloom occurs, these parasitoids are not able to infect the invasive species," Guillou said. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Complex Systems Science: How Do Math And Intuition Help Us Understand Whole Systems? Nov 25, 2008
They aim to bring new approaches to some of the world's most vexing problems like improving hurricane forecasts, understanding the effects of phosphorous pollution in a watershed, slowing the spread of invasive species, making robots that can start to discern the intentions behind an action, and untangling the genetic and environmental threads that lead to heart disease. The lights are on. (Science Daily)
Letters for Sunday, November 23, 2008 Nov 23, 2008
The two-part series on the Na Pali Coast Trail (The Garden Island, Nov. 19 and Nov. 21) highlights some of the serious problems on the trail, including erosion and degradation by feral animals and invasive species. Clearly, action is needed. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Letters from readers Nov 23, 2008
We are two years old and already have printed a brochure called "AlterNatives" that illustrates some of the most invasive species commonly used in our Northheast Florida gardens. For Duval County and this Northeast area of the state, the brochure provides photographs of native plant substitutes that suit the same area as the invasives - by both planting requirements and aesthetics. (Florida Times-Union)
11,000 alien species invade Europe Nov 22, 2008
Known as DAISIE (Delivering Alien Invasive Species Inventory for Europe), the research project, with more than 100 European scientists, provides new knowledge on biological invasions in Europe. Biological invasions by alien species often result in a significant loss in the economic value, biological diversity and function of invaded ecosystems. (India Times, India -- Health/Science)
Forestry officials cite Tallow tree dangers Nov 22, 2008
The species is listed on the commission's top five list of invasive species. Phillips said the Asian imports are spreading out of control, threatening to muscle out several of the state's native plant species by hogging up all the sunlight. (Brookhaven Daily Leader, MS)
Federal court upholds Michigan ballast water law Nov 22, 2008
TRAVERSE CITY A federal appeals court Friday upheld a Michigan law designed to prevent oceangoing freight ships from bringing invasive species to the Great Lakes in their ballast water. The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati rejected a challenge to the statute filed by nine shipping companies and associations. (Ionia Sentinel-Standard, MI)
working to end the use of dirt bikes Nov 21, 2008
They destroy vegetation, cause erosion and lead to introduction of invasive species. There s noise impact on wildlife habitat all bad things. (Half Moon Bay Review, CA)
Invasive mussel confirmed in Utah's Electric Lake Nov 21, 2008
The mussels "showed up in one of the least-expected places," said Larry Dalton, aquatic invasive species coordinator for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. "That's how bewildering this little devil is.". (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
More of this story Nov 21, 2008
The damage caused by these invasive species must be repaired if residents are serious about protecting native ecosystems and preserving the world-renowned Na Pali Coast Trail, they said ... Although there are some similar characteristics, goats and pigs are not considered invasive species, rather game mammals, DLNR spokeswoman Deborah Ward said in a statement ... The Kaua i Invasive Species Committee considers any ungulates, or hoofed animals, damaging to an ecosystem in great enough numbers. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Climate change opens new avenue for spread of invasive plants Nov 20, 2008
"This paper is the first to suggest that the mechanisms that aid invasive species when they move from one continent to the next may actually work within continents when climate change gradually extends the distributional range of a species," said Koen J.F. Verhoeven, an evolutionary biologist at The Netherlands Institute of Ecology. "Plants may be able to outrun, so to speak, their enemies from the southern range.". (EurekAlert!)
Christmas tree season is here Nov 19, 2008
"The only fuel used is when they come to the farm to pick out their tree. And there's no threat of introducing an invasive species.". Reach Suzanne Roig at. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Sea lamprey control on Vermont side of Lake Champlain sparks debate Nov 18, 2008
He said the lampricide is the most effective way to end the reign of an invasive species that could cost the state millions in lost revenue from tourism and fishing. "We can kiss goodbye salmonid fishing in Lake Champlain," Young said. (Albany Times Union)
Ranchers voice concerns over proposed split-state status (40) Nov 18, 2008
Jane wrote on Oct 26, 2007 9:38 PM:" Hmmm... bison are native wildlife, while cattle are an invasive species. The disease brucellosis came from cattle; wild bison have never transmitted it to livestock. And in Montana's case, to say that elk were responsible for the recent incident re: the Bridger herd is just a political way out. No definitive science there, just shifting the blame. How about those imported cattle? And why let APHIS regs run the show for anyone? What's the big deal with... (Great Falls Prairie Star, MT)
Summit offers chance to be heard by governor Nov 17, 2008
The summit is a continuing discussion of key issues on healthcare, the economy, jobs and workforce development, technology, clean and renewable energy, and invasive species, said Deputy Tourism Secretary Mark Richardson ... Other workshops will address the regions healthcare system and the struggle to contain aquatic invasive species. (Rhinelander Daily News, WI)
'Green' cemetery graveyard of future? Nov 17, 2008
It takes place on land where there is detailed planning to conserve the property, restore the forest, remove invasive species and create wildlife habitat, all of it overseen by an independent steward. Here, natural burial is required of all. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Crafty canines (3) Nov 16, 2008
Louie has been certified to detect invasive species that are dangerous to area waterways ... Fish and Game trains dogs to sniff out invasive species in area ... The newest weapon in the state's fight against invasive species has four legs, a powerful nose and answers to the name of Louie. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Marsh cleanup set for Saturday in Waipahu Nov 15, 2008
Community members will help to restore the health of the marsh by removing invasive species, planting trees and participating in a stream cleanup. Volunteers will pull pickle weed and California grass, two non-native species that encroach on the native plant habitat. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Roadside bloomer a good yard plant, too Nov 15, 2008
Even though the seeds germinate readily, it is not considered an invasive species, at least for now. After flowering on the end of the stems, side shoots or keiki will appear. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Public Agencies Oppose New Threat to Statewide Water Supply Nov 14, 2008
Ignored in the proposal are other potential causes for the decline in Delta fish species currently being explored by scientists, including invasive species, ammonia discharges from wastewater treatment plants, other toxics, power plant operations and numerous local diversions. Fish surveys have repeatedly shown that the bulk of the longfin smelt population in the Delta is miles to the west of the water projects and out of their influence. (PR Newswire)
Volunteers and grants help to change Rock Meadow Nov 14, 2008
Belmont received a 10-year cost-share grant from USDA/NRCS worth a total of $51,855 to restore the meadow and control several invasive species. This process began last year and has already yielded dramatic results. (Belmont Citizen Herald, MA)
Lakes study raises worry Nov 13, 2008
Invasive species are advancing, group cautions ... CHICAGO - Connections engineered more than a century ago between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River watershed should be changed to block the advance of invasive species that can cause irreversible damage, an environmental advocacy group says ... Scientists say more than 150 invasive species have entered the Great Lakes, multiplying rapidly and feeding on native species or outcompeting with them for food. (Boston Globe)
Invasive plant surveys reveal problem in plants throughout Southeast Nov 13, 2008
It has become evident that invasive species are capable of truly altering our Alaska ecosystems. Invasive species cost the world economy of $1 ... 4 trillion in 2006 and we must acknowledge that there is no invisible bubble deflecting invasive species from entering the state of Alaska. (Juneau Empire)
Invasive plants threaten Florida's native species Nov 13, 2008
The First Coast Invasive Working Group is trying to rid the area of invasive species like the saltcedar before they spread further throughout the state and destroy native species. DON BURK. (Florida Times-Union)
Separate Great Lakes, Mississippi basins, study urges Nov 12, 2008
CHICAGO Waterways engineered more than a century ago to connect the Great Lakes and Mississippi River watersheds should be altered to stop the exchange of invasive species that can cause irreversible damage, an environmental advocacy group says. A 106-page feasibility study to be released Wednesday by the Alliance for the Great Lakes says separating the watersheds is the only way to stop the transfer of some invasive species, including the voracious Asian carp now within 80 kilometres of Lake... (Globe and Mail)
A look at invasive species in the Great Lakes Nov 12, 2008
Scientists say more than 150 invasive species have been found in the Great Lakes, the largest surface freshwater system in the world, and more are threatening it. Here's a look at some of those species. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Small Water Fleas Help Ecologists Understand Population Dynamics Nov 11, 2008
(May 13, 2008) Reducing the spread of some invasive species into our lakes could be as simple as asking boaters and fishers to dry out their equipment, says one biology professor studying invasive species in Lake. (Feb. (Science Daily)
Environmental calendar Nov 11, 2008
POUHALA MARSH RESTORATION, removing invasive species and creating habitat for endangered Hawaiian stilts; 8:30-11:30 a.m. Nov. 15; Hawai'i Nature Center; bring work gloves, drinking water, hat, sunscreen and covered-toe shoes; Pauline Kawamata, 955-0100, ext. 18, or. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Marine invasive species advance 50km per decade, World Conference on Marine Biodiversity told Nov 11, 2008
Investigators report that invasive species of marine macroalgae spread at 50 km per decade, a distance far greater than that covered by invasive terrestrial plants ... Nova Mieszkovska: invasive species. (EurekAlert!)
