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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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!)
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)
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)
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)
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: 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)
Did hitchhiking toxins kill fish? Oct 4, 2009
"Invasive species may potentially be transferred to a new area or watershed if unused water containing such species is later discharged at another location," the report said. "Other potential mechanisms for the possible transfer of invasive aquatic species may include trucks, hoses, pipelines and other equipment used for water withdrawal and transport.". (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Black rat does not bother Mediterranean seabirds Oct 3, 2009
Human activities have meant invasive species have been able to populate parts of the world to which they are not native and alter biodiversity there over thousands of years ... "The only one that seems to have been seriously affected as a result of the presence of this invasive species throughout the entire region is the small European storm petrel", points out Ruffino ... The growing presence of invasive species around the globe is one of the greatest threats to the preservation of biodiversity... (EurekAlert!)
Letters for Wednesday, September 30, 2009 Oct 1, 2009
They can be made from a variety of grasses that grow along our highways including guinea grass, which has already been tested for its burning potentials which prove extremely high, as well as many invasive species. The immediate problem lies in the availability of large tracts of land to specifically grow such feed stock. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Butterfly mystery Oct 1, 2009
Meanwhile, outside critics question whether the use of herbicides to clear invasive species like locust trees from the Albany Pine Bush Preserve could be affecting the butterflies' only food, a small colorful flower called lupine. Whatever the reason, yearly Karner blue sighting figures, reported from the state Department of Environmental Conservation to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and reviewed by the Times Union, show a disturbing downward trend. (Albany Times Union)
Secret life of plants and animals vital in warming struggle Sep 30, 2009
"But we have a long way to go - we have discovered and named only about a quarter of Australia's estimated number of flora and fauna. We need this essential information to do a better job of managing our biodiversity against the threats of invasive species, habitat loss and climate change.'' Mr Chapman told the Herald that Australia was one of 12 ''mega-diverse'' countries, and his report showed Australia had a greater rate of endemic species than first thought. The report found that 90 per cent... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Dozens of Aussie mammals 'under threat' Sep 30, 2009
"We need this essential information to do a better job of managing our biodiversity against the threats of invasive species, habitat loss and climate change.". Mr Garrett also announced the report's publishers, the Australian Biological Resources Study, had entered into a $1. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Invasive species threatens local waterways, economy Sep 30, 2009
Published: Tuesday, September 29, 2009 7:57 PM EDT A water-born invasive species of plant currently wreaking havoc on the Oswego River and other waterways in Oswego County could potentially pose serious problems to the local economy ... The invasive species of the chestnut are taking over the habitat of what should be in that area, Drosse said ... He added that the invasive species, which occupy 200 acres of the length of the Oswego River, has also become an issue in the mouth of the Salmon... (Oswego Palladium-Times, NY)
Census reveals extinction threat Sep 30, 2009
Peter Garrett, Australian Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts, said: "We need this essential information to do a better job of managing our biodiversity against the threats of invasive species, habitat loss and climate change.". Mr Garrett also announced a partnership between the the Australian Biological Resources Study, and the mining company BHP Billiton to name and describe 500 reef species over the next three years. (BBC News -- Science)
An alphabet stew, that runs DEEP in Danvers Sep 30, 2009
Our up and coming scientists at the middle school will be collaborating with the Audubon on a Salt Marsh Project to study invasive species. There is more support for an Arts Inclusion Club at the High School as well as a new Flip Video camera in both the middle and high school libraries available for student projects. (Danvers Herald, MA)
End of an era (1051) Sep 30, 2009
Andy Parx wrote on Sep 27, 2009 11:40 AM:" Our drive to Waimea yesterday was spent behind a raw sugar delivery truck on its way back from a Nawiliwili drop-off, spewing noxious diesel exhaust until it turned off into one of the soon to be abandoned cane fields of Gay and Robinson.As we drove through the cross hatching of soon to be harvested and already barren fields destined for abandonment it was hard not to imagine what the next 10 years will reap if the paths of the rest of the abandoned... (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
10 percent of world's major species at threat: report Sep 30, 2009
"The pressures are pervasive and chronic in many places; invasive species, habitat loss and climate change in particular." ... "We need this essential information to do a better job of managing our biodiversity against the threats of invasive species, habitat-loss and climate change.". (Yahoo! Asia News)
Autumn in the air, despite the heat Sep 30, 2009
Our County Farm Bureau is working hard to help our members through the minefield of ever-increasing redundant regulations in water quality, land use, immigration, invasive species and transportation issues, to name just a few. We work with our State Farm Bureau office in Sacramento to educate legislators on the importance of keeping agriculture viable not only along the Central Coast but also throughout the entire state. (Santa Maria Times)
Fort Meadow Reservoir drawdown starts Monday Sep 30, 2009
Marlborough and Hudson will begin a drawdown of Fort Meadow Reservoir on Monday to try to control invasive species and allow for repairs ... They also hope the drawdown controls the Asian clam, another invasive species at the reservoir. (Hudson Sun, MA)
22 state ag inspectors slated for layoff get reprieve Sep 25, 2009
The Hawai'i Invasive Species Council approved $600,000 earmarked for invasive species prevention to be used to fund positions. The remaining $1. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Wildlife: Just a luxury? Sep 25, 2009
Climate change, invasive species and diseases do not stop at the borders of national parks. The risk cannot continue to be evaluated by our decision-makers in terms of success at the next election. (BBC News -- Science)
County ready to fill AIS position Sep 24, 2009
After six months in limbo, Oneida County appears ready to hire a new Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) coordinator. The Oneida County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to renew the full-time AIS position and place it under the banner of the newly created Oneida County Agricultural and Extension Education/Land and Water Conservation Department. (Forest Republican, WI)
Obama hooked into salmon plight Sep 24, 2009
The Obama answer: a request to a federal judge to spend nearly $1 billion on watershed improvements, controls on predators and invasive species, and a close watch on fish populations. If the problem worsens, there would be triggers for additional steps, the White House team promised. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Opinion)
Wildlife officials push action on climate threats Sep 24, 2009
NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Top U.S. wildlife officials say they will focus on the risks posed by climate change across the South by trying to save barrier islands, fight invasive species and work with companies to restore wildlife habitat. Sam Hamilton, new director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, says the South is on the forefront of climate threats and coastal wildlife refuges from North Carolina to Louisiana are endangered. (KSLA.com, LA)
Old problem, new solution Sep 24, 2009
have proven particularly helpful to algae growth this year; and (4) invasive species, not native algae, are the en vogue issue right now. I've also learned that although well-schooled in fixing immediate problems like invasive species (through chemical warfare), DNR officials are not knowledgeable about the history of the lakes pre-pioneer. (Chetek Alert, WI)
Letter for Wednesday, September 23, 2009 (905) Sep 24, 2009
Furthermore, wherever one chooses to hike anywhere on Kaua i, I would encourage hikers to be mindful of checking their hiking footwear and backpacks to be careful about bringing unwanted invasive species to the remote areas of our aina. They need to plan ahead, also, with ways to handle their trash other than to leave it for someone else to clean up after them. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Frog Fungus Hammering Biodiversity Sep 23, 2009
Bd is an invasive species whose origin is not known. The fungus is devastating to frogs because it infects the skin, a much more important organ in amphibians than in other vertebrates. (Science Daily)
Plants, fungi and more Sep 22, 2009
The plant identification service also helps the herbarium to stay abreast to potentially invasive species. As shown by the kudzu covering much of the south, invasive species spread quickly and can do great damage to local environments. (Gamecock Online, SC)
A legacy of woods and wildlife Sep 22, 2009
Some invasive species like garlic mustard are required to be removed while other species, like buckthorn, are not, though the city educates the property owner about its removal, Colleran said. "Mr. Fuller owns that property," Colleran said. (Minnetonka Lakeshore Weekly News, MN)
Prudent use of natural, human resources feature of RC&D Week Sep 22, 2009
GIRC&D has committees on agriculture, community development, cultural awareness, education, forestry, invasive species, infrastructure, and parks and recreation. Some of the projects coming under the GIRC&D include the Kaua i Agricultural Development Program, Koke e Resource Conservation Program, Westside Watershed Council, Na Pali Coast Restoration, Ho oulu Ke Ola O Na Pua kupuna program in Kaua i s schools, Kaua i Landscape Industry Council, the Kaua i bike path, Zero Waste Management, Kaua i... (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Read the story Sep 20, 2009
Get the facts on this all-terrain fish and learn about invasive species. (AP) Animal advocates who want to protect seals living at a beach sued the city of San Diego on Tuesday, the latest episode in a standoff that's included at least two suspicious seal deaths. (CBS News -- Evening News)
Hybrid Man-Eating Pythons Could Haunt Fla. Sep 20, 2009
"It's a big petri dish," says Kevin Enge, an invasive species expert with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in Gainesville. "You keep introducing things and, yeah, you don't know what's going to turn out.". (ABC News)
Introduced Japanese White-eyes Pose Major Threat To Hawaii's Native And Endangered Birds Sep 19, 2009
10, 2008) Brown tree snakes have come to embody the bad things that can happen when invasive species show up where they have few predators. But new research suggests that indirect impacts might be even farther. (Science Daily)
• Snail status to stay the same Sep 18, 2009
The snail also has managed to coexist with an invasive species, scientists found. The agency's review was prompted by a delisting petition filed by the Idaho governor's office and attorneys for several irrigation districts. (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
