DNA Barcodes: Creative New Uses Span Health, Fraud, Smuggling, History, More Nov 12, 2009
This work will help develop biological control measures, monitor and control of human diseases and potential zoonoses, manage agricultural and aquaculture pathogens, and detect the presence of invasive species. " In a race to document Earth's diminishing biodiversity, other groundbreaking barcoding projects include: Specimen holdings of the world's natural history museums, many collected in the 18th and 19th centuries, the DNA sequence of which is essential for validating current taxonomic... (Science Daily)
Lake association proposes lake district on Metonga Nov 12, 2009
The association also tried biological methods of eliminating the invasive species ... EWM is not the only invasive species in Lake Metonga, however. (Forest Republican, WI)
National council sets timeline for California water study Nov 11, 2009
Council lays out timeline for California water study - Capitol and California - Fresnobee. Place an obit: (559) 441-6228. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Top U.S. scientists to study state water decisions Nov 11, 2009
It will delve into what role such things as predators and invasive species, might have on the decline of sensitive species. This could result in a unique ranking, showing how much blame to assign to each. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
For the environment Nov 10, 2009
OAHU INVASIVE SPECIES COMMITTEE WORK DAY, removal project for the invasive manuka (New Zealand tea tree) along the Waiau trail, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 14; leaving from Church of the Crossroads parking lot (recommended: water, hat, gloves, sunscreen, rain jacket, long pants, walking shoes); reservations by Nov. 12; 286-4616. RAIN BARREL WATER CATCHMENT WORKSHOP, sponsored by city Board of Water Supply, 10-11:30 a.m. Nov. 14, Halawa Xeriscape Garden, 99-1268 Iwaena St.; $5/lecture, or $35 including a... (Honolulu Advertiser)
Slump takes toll on pricing police Nov 9, 2009
Murakami and Miyashiro, who are retaining their jobs, hope that lost positions will be restored when state finances improve, but wonder what kind of priority will be given to the agency when money is available to restore some cuts that have hit other areas of state government hard, including schools, invasive species inspectors and the film office. Murakami worries that even if Measurement Standards inspector positions are restored, it could take years to rebuild the amount of experience lost. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Arbor Day giveaway (12) Nov 8, 2009
This event is being coordinated by the Kaua i Invasive Species Committee. Dennis Fujimoto/The Garden Island. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Why You Should Grow a Mint Plant Nov 8, 2009
Its often considered an invasive species because of its hardiness and ability to spread throughout your yard, and the next yard. And the next yard after that. (Suite101.com)
Warning issued on Sanger company's pet treats Nov 7, 2009
Expert snake hunters snared 37 pythons in South Florida during a trial hunting season to eradicate the invasive species. State wildlife officials granted 15 permits in July to snake experts. (Fresno Bee)
Water funds by the bucket Nov 7, 2009
5 billion for Bay Delta Conservation Plan ecosystem restoration projects; acquisition of water rights and removal of invasive species; reduce greenhouse gas emissions from Delta soils; reduce mercury contamination. $750 million for Delta counties/cities for flood protection; water quality projects, agriculture preservation, and to mitigate the effects of water conveyance and ecosystem restoration (including $50 million to improve wastewater treatment facil 00004000 ities upstream of the Delta;... (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Feinberg: Garden Club plants seeds with Roadsides report Nov 6, 2009
Fields face development pressures, forests are teeming with invasive species, and our stonewalls are overgrown by vegetation. It's a war out there to maintain Lincoln's rural character. (Lincoln Journal, MA)
People power essential to river survival, say experts Nov 6, 2009
In China, he said, pollution came from a range of activities such as fish breeding, the release of sediment contaminants, invasive species within the lake waters, domestic sewage and industrial waste discharges, agricultural fertilizer, soil erosion and over-extraction. Public education programs and campaigns could raise public awareness of water issues and promote environment-friendly lifestyles, he said. (Xinhuanet, China)
Legislature breaks a generation of water gridlock Nov 6, 2009
Invasive species now dominate the ecosystem. And upstream communities have increased their discharges of wastewater. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Opinion)
Releasing sterile moths Nov 6, 2009
While sterile insect technology has been used for decades to control invasive species, this is the first time it was utilized in America against the light brown apple moth. Critics of the program, including UC Davis entomologist Dr. James Carey, have said the program is unlikely to work because SIT has successfully eradicated only one pest in history - the screw-worm fly. (Sonoma Index-Tribune, CA)
Don't Sweat the Invasion Nov 5, 2009
Are invasive species really that bad for the environment ... Tamarisk, a Eurasian shrub, is your classic invasive speciesdesignated one of America's "" plants by the National Parks Service ... Some pose threats to human health (H1N1 is an invasive species), while others, such as agricultural pests, wreak economic havoc. (Slate)
BioBlitz in Yellowstone Nov 5, 2009
Tom Olliff, chief of the Yellowstone Center for Resources, said in a report on the BioBlitz that his biggest concern moving forward is "to better understand threats to the resources, such as climate change, invasive species and impacts from tourism and other forms of resource degradation." A BioBlitz can serve as a benchmark to future park managers of past environmental conditions, Ostovar said. Some of finds included 45 species of nematodes, 13 species of terrestrial mollusks, 45 species of... (Montana Standard, MT)
Time to take in hand birds in the bush Nov 5, 2009
Are we just a big-brained and dangerous invasive species that can do whatever we want, whenever and wherever we want - and in the process ruin the lives of billions of animals a year. Do we really want vast tracts of the country to end up like bio-simplified Majorca where, amid magnificent ancient olive trees and stone walls, there are no birds, no lizards, no insects - long gone after the massive stripping of forests and decimation of hundreds and hundreds of species centuries ago. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Snake Hunters Bag 37 Pythons In Florida Nov 4, 2009
(November 3, 2009)Expert snake hunters snared 37 pythons in South Florida during a trial hunting season to eradicate the invasive species and officials hope to start it again next year. State wildlife officials granted 15 permits in July to snake experts. (KWTX.com, TX)
Program shows residents how to deal with unwanted plants Nov 4, 2009
She passed around samples of a number of invasive species ... "Mark Warren, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural SciencesFlagler County Extension agent, continued the workshop by discussing various means of controlling invasive species and pointed out the contribution that individual homeowners can make in this process."The manager of a 50,000-acre tract of land might like to eliminate 100 percent of cogongrass from his land, but it's not a realistic goal," Warren said. "He... (Daytona Beach News Journal -- Local)
Weeds threaten wildlife and create fire hazard in Deep South Nov 4, 2009
It grows in Georgia, Louisiana, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas, according to the Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health at the University of Georgia ... In South Carolina, where 10 of 46 counties report cogongrass infestation, an army of 200 volunteers are identifying the weed and controlling it with herbicide, says Steve Compton, invasive species coordinator for Clemson University's Department of Plant Industry. (USA Today -- Tech)
A bipartisan boost for the parks Nov 3, 2009
Maine will see funds for coastal seabird protection, expansion of the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, further land conservation in the Baxter State Park region, sewer infrastructure in Portland, and lake invasive species removal. But you did have to chuckle when Bennett said, I am pleased that Congress recognizes the need for these important projects. (Boston Globe)
Mining for Algae: Could Abandoned Mines Help Grow Biofuel? Nov 3, 2009
Growing the photosynthetic algae underground also addresses concerns about invasive species of algae escaping, Vidt said. Even if the species escape containment from the , they pose little threat as invasive species because they could not survive for long in the dark. (Scientific American)
Property owners along Rogue bemoan removal of dam (3) Nov 3, 2009
The National Center for Conservation Science and Policy will identify ways to jump-start riparian regeneration along the old impoundment s edges before invasive species such as Himalayan blackberry or star thistle swoop in. What s there now is aesthetically unpleasing and it s unstable land, said Brian Barr, who oversees aquatic habitat restoration programs for the center. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
Finding phantoms in the forest Nov 3, 2009
With a wingspan of up to three feet, this native central-African mammal -- scientific name Hypsignathus monstrosus -- may have been unwittingly transported to New Jersey during colonial times or later, just like many invasive species. The hammer-headed bat has even been documented feasting on the blood of live chickens. (NJ.com -- Times)
Barack Obama: Media Sweetheart and Golf Addict Nov 2, 2009
3 million of your tax dollars to finance a research project in Connecticut, focused on invasive species and their potential control. To name one, a very strong case can be made that one major forest pest of current concern, the hemlock woolly adelgid, will thrive as the climate changes. (Human Events Online)
Finding Pond Plants Online Nov 2, 2009
Avoid Invasive Species When Buying Pond Plants Online. When buying plants online, it is essential to ensure that these plants are not invasive species ... Order carefully to avoid invasive species and to find the best times to order, ship, and transplant pond plants. (Suite101.com)
Blueprint: Volunteer opportunities, calendar Nov 2, 2009
Habitat Restoration and Invasive Species Control, 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.. UGA Home Game Recycling Program, 11:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m.. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Hearings in Congress focus on proposed snapper ban Nov 2, 2009
The subcommittee also heard testimony that the impacts to fish populations caused by predation from protected and invasive species has been ignored. The flexibility bill introduced in the House addresses timeframe requirements for rebuilding fisheries and also directs managers to explore the impacts of causes of decline other than fishing when developing plans to rebuild fisheries. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
Conservation District gets $5,000 grant to build native plant greenhouse Oct 31, 2009
As land gets developed and invasive species dominate a landscape, native plants are being lost and biodiversity is decreasing. Many wildlife species, especially insects, rely on certain native plants for food or some part of their lifecycle. (Gaylord Herald Times, MI)
Ships will be scrapped Oct 30, 2009
In 2006, a company proposed building a ship recycling facility at Coos Bay to deal with such vessels, but the proposal proved controversial, with groups arguing the vessels would spread invasive species. The Oregon Legislature eventually passed a law to require shipbreakers take apart the vessels in specially contained drydocks. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
White House panel on oceans visits Great Lakes Oct 30, 2009
A House-Senate conference committee approved 475 million Tuesday to launch the initiative, which would clean up toxic hot spots, battle invasive species and improve wildlife habitat, among other projects. The ocean policy task force is "promising and needed," Skelding said. (Ionia Sentinel-Standard, MI)
Get high behind the Claremont Oct 30, 2009
Today, the eucalyptus is considered an invasive species, in addition to being highly flammable. Fire is an ever-present danger in the canyon. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Travel)
Aggression Chemicals In Ants Synthesized Oct 29, 2009
The new study, to be published on October 28, in the open-access journal BMC Biology, sheds light on the factors influencing the social behavior of the Argentine ant, Linepithema humile, and provides hope for a new tactic in controlling the spread of this invasive species. The research was conducted on the highly invasive Argentine ant, but the researchers note that the findings are likely relevant to other types of insects that rely upon chemical signals to identify each other. (Science Daily)
Frog die-off alarms University researchers Oct 26, 2009
Oftentimes massive die-offs like this are associated with invasive species, Chase said. Kevin Smith, associate director of the Tyson Research Center and first author of the study, has been leading studies looking at the presence of the fungus in eastern central Missouri at Tyson and other natural areas near the St. Louis area. (Washington University Student Life, MO)
Wyoming briefs Oct 26, 2009
It's part of an effort to keep aquatic invasive species such as zebra and quagga mussels from getting into Wyoming. The small mussels reproduce quickly and can cling to almost any underwater surface, quickly overwhelming ecosystems and clogging pipes and other infrastructure. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Benicia's decaying ships to be scrubbed, sold Oct 24, 2009
Under the plan, the federal government will hire outside contractors to remove fuel from the ships' tanks, scour invasive species from hulls, and blast away peeling paint and metals ... Maritime officials said at the time they were caught in a dilemma: U.S. Coast Guard codes required the ships be stripped of invasive species before moving out into the Pacific Ocean, and the regional water board said moving the rotting ships would release more noxious chemicals into the water. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Non-native snakes getting grip on Southeast Oct 23, 2009
"This report clearly reveals that these giant snakes threaten to destabilize some of our most precious ecosystems and parks, primarily through predation on vulnerable native species," said Dr. Robert Reed, co-author of the report and a USGS invasive species scientist and herpetologist. Although the new list of potential exotic invaders includes more snakes than the Burmese python, most of them would remain confined to the warmer climates, the report said. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Warships in S.F. Bay to be recycled Oct 23, 2009
Under federal law, the ships must be cleaned of invasive species clinging to their hulls before they can enter the ocean. California officials fought a Bush administration plan to clean the ships where they were anchored, arguing that the process would cause paint laden with heavy metals to flake off into the bay. (MSNBC -- Environment)
TOMORROW'S NEWS - Access to Larsens Beach in jeopardy Oct 23, 2009
In an effort to get the property back in shape and put on a responsible management plan with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Laymon has been attempting to control trespassing, squatting and vandalism, as well as invasive species, according to a November 2008 letter he wrote to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands. For the full story, see Friday s print edition of The Garden Island. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Aquatic invasives: Not just a summer problem Oct 22, 2009
Think about what you may know, have heard or have seen about Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) ... This exception allows for the use of emergent vegetation in constructing a shooting or observation blind and and reads, For purposes of constructing or transporting a shooting or observation blind, if the aquatic plants are emergent, cut above the waterline, and contain no propagules such as seed heads, roots or rhizomes and no aquatic invasive species ... A person should also be aware of what type... (Forest Republican, WI)
Seek and destroy Oct 22, 2009
Because the Buffalo district rarely handles matters involving aquatic invasive species such as the Eurasian milfoil, they called on an expert, though Angie Huebner is reluctant to call herself that ... district of the Army Corps of Engineers as an invasive species biologist. (Auburn Citizen, NY)
New laws may take aim at mussels that stow away on boats Oct 22, 2009
The rules are meant to prevent the advent of aquatic invasive species such as zebra and quagga mussels, which are small fresh-water clam-like organisms that have the capability of harming water and ecosystems because of their fast rate of reproduction and ability to cling to almost any underwater surface ... - Allow any uniformed peace officer who suspects that an aquatic invasive species may be present the right to inspect a vehicle that could carry the organisms, require the owner to disinfect... (Gillette News-Record, WY)
Southbury Panel Receives Plans for Subdivision Oct 21, 2009
The outcome was that Ms. Almqvist is going to be allowed to keep her paddock after posting a $750 bond for wetlands markers and a commitment to plantings and removal of invasive species while the fall weather holds. Voices 2009. (Voices, CT)
New grape pest worries Valley growers Oct 21, 2009
"And this also points out, once again, how harmful invasive species can be.". Valley grape growers have been battling the glassy-winged sharpshooter for several years. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
PHOTO GALLERY: Celebrating the Sesuit Creek Restoration Project Oct 20, 2009
We put in larger culverts to improve water flow, restoring the salt marsh, reducing invasive species and improving the herring run to Scargo Lake, he said. Twice Dennis residents unanimously approved appropriating $100,000 to match available grants. (Allston Brighton TAB, MA)
Underscore need to balance competing interests (195) Oct 19, 2009
Then there is plethora of other environmental programs from environmental assessment requirements to a whole new program for inspection for invasive species. New fees fund the latter program, fees that are hidden in the cost of everything imported into and exported out from the state. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Fish and Game tackles invasive species problem Oct 18, 2009
Web search powered by YAHOO. Oct. 13 was a bad day to be a pike in Scout Lake. (Juneau Empire)
Tennessee agencies have received 4 percent Oct 17, 2009
For example, , a business in Berry Hill, received $52,877 from the Department of Agriculture for wildland fire management, surveying and mapping non-native invasive species. of Nashville won more than $1. (Nashville Business Journal, TN)
No Rush: Limbaugh on waivers Oct 17, 2009
compared illegal Latino immigrants to an invasive species, and referred to Native Americans as Injuns. Hey, I understand, it s all about the ratings. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Conservation: Eat for the ecosystem Oct 16, 2009
That got him wondering if consumer demand might be a force powerful enough to halt even an invasive species as successful as the lionfish. To test the market, Mr Dimin contacted a few chefs at snazzy restaurants in Chicago and New York to see if they had any interest in serving lionfish to their customers. (The Economist)
Fruit fly pest identified in wine grapes Oct 16, 2009
On the other hand, the fly might be gone by next season, Walton said, pointing out the uncertainty associated with a new invasive species ... For more information on identification, contact: the Oregon Department of Agriculture, Plant Division, 635 Capitol St. NE, Salem Oregon 97301-2532, telephone 503-986-4636, or call the Oregon Invasive Species Hotline: 1-866-INVADER (1-866-468-2337). (EurekAlert!)
What are coral reef services worth? $130,000 to $1.2 million / ht / yr: Experts Oct 16, 2009
A study lead by Katherine Smith of Brown University found just 13% of animal shipments allowed in were classified by species most were admitted with vague labels like live vertebrate or fish, raising concerns about not just disease but potentially introducing invasive species that could harm native ecosystems, wildlife and domestic animals. She estimated 2,241 non-native species were imported to the U.S. between 2000 and 2006 and says there have been 335 outbreaks of emerging infectious... (EurekAlert!)
Blackball of Limbaugh is the wrong call Oct 16, 2009
Who compared illegal aliens to an "invasive species?". Who popularized the "Barack, the Magic Negro" idea by repeatedly playing a conservative comedian's song of that name, parodying "Puff, the Magic Dragon". (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Beverly finishes wetlands restoration work near airport Oct 15, 2009
In lieu of the remaining $8,000 fine, work was completed to remove phragmites a tall reed that s considered an invasive species and was put on the state s prohibited plant list in 2006 from Rice s Beach in the Cove neighborhood. It s an environmental benefit to the community, Ferson said. (Beverly Citizen, MA)
Asian Longhorned Beetle Threatens State's Forests Oct 14, 2009
They should also be aggressive and ask their firewood supplier if he is familiar with invasive species ... The impact of invasive species from Asia is already considerable ... In state, sections of which have been heavily affected by woolly adelgids and other invasive species, it is illegal to transport untreated firewood more than 50 miles from its source or to import untreated firewood. (FOX61, CT)
Report Documents Risks Of Giant Invasive Snakes In The United States Oct 14, 2009
This report clearly reveals that these giant snakes threaten to destabilize some of our most precious ecosystems and parks, primarily through predation on vulnerable native species, said Dr. Robert Reed, a coauthor of the report and a USGS invasive species scientist and herpetologist ... 24, 2008) Burmese pythons -- an invasive species in south Florida -- could find comfortable climatic conditions in roughly a third of the United States according to new "climate maps" developed by the U.S. ...... (Science Daily)
Report: 5 foreign snake species threaten US Oct 14, 2009
Officials have tried to crack down on the invasive species; this summer, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced that the state would allow a few permitted snake experts to begin hunting, trapping and killing the nonnative pythons in an effort to eradicate them. Hunting the snakes is not allowed in Everglades National Park. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Science)
Why anglers aren't environmentalists Oct 13, 2009
I think that it's a disgrace that our federal government hasn't acted more decisively to keep invasive species out of the Great Lakes. I believe that we need stiffer regulations to protect our streams from strip mining, our groundwater from herbicides, and our estuaries from the runoff pollution of urban sprawl and farm fields. (ESPN -- Outdoors)
World will miss 2010 target to stem biodiversity loss, experts say Oct 12, 2009
Public release date: 11-Oct-2009. Contact: Terry Collins. (EurekAlert!)
What you can do » Oct 10, 2009
We have contributed more than $5 billion for sportfish and wildlife management alone since the passage of those acts, that's not counting the in-kind from millions of angler hours of fixing stream banks, sinking fish habitat , removing invasive species, removing trash or planting native plants The public and our elected officials need to hear that message over and over. Letters to members of Congress are always the best avenues on national issues. (ESPN -- Outdoors)
For A. P. Hill, a new kind of green Oct 8, 2009
"We recently completed a resurvey effort for threatened and endangered species, and we have plans to remove invasive species," she said. "We completed a low-impact development parking lot, and we're working on several other LID projects." The aim is for pollution-laden runoff from parking lots and other impervious surfaces to soak into the ground rather than flow into streams and rivers. (Fredericksburg.com, VA)
Building a trail in Fort Apache | Oct 8, 2009
In addition to learning about trail construction and habitat restoration, young volunteers also learn about ecosystems and invasive species. How to join. (AZCentral -- Travel)
Group asks county to help fight lake invaders Oct 8, 2009
In fact, the county was the first in Idaho to take preemptive action against the invasive species, an initiative the state has endorsed and later copied in its boat washes at strategic points where boats enter the state ... Monday the president and a couple of board members asked the county for a letter of support for their efforts to get a couple of Idaho Fish and Game regulations changed to better combat the threats of invasive species ... Commission Chairman Paul Romrell who, with county Weed... (Rexburg Standard Journal, ID)
Crisis point Oct 7, 2009
The usual suspects of habitat destruction, climate change, invasive species, environmental contaminants and overexploitation represent key interrelated factors. Additionally, a disease called chytridiomycosis or "chytrid" (caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) infects a wide range of amphibians globally and is capable of driving species to extinction. (BBC News -- Science)
Protecting today for tomorrow Oct 6, 2009
Although one of the two Kaua i inspector positions originally scheduled to be cut was restored by Lingle, it was at the expense of state invasive-species funding, said Keren Gundersen of the Kaua i Invasive Species Committee ... Kokubun said similar hearings on the other islands have been enlightening, and he s learned what inspectors do for imports and exports that aren t just agricultural products (like keeping out invasive species), and that companies might have to close without such... (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
