Invasive Species

    UPCOMING EVENTS

    View full calendar

    Invasive Species

    banner

    Invasive species are non-native species that threaten the diversity or abundance of native species due to their uncontrollable population growth, causing ecological or economic impacts. Not all non-native species are considered invasive species. Many non-native species are not able to spread or reproduce in natural habitats. Invasive species thrive in favorable environmental conditions that lack predators, competitors and diseases. Invasive species are also referred to as "nuisance" or "exotic" species.

    Natural barriers that isolate species and prevent them from spreading to new regions:

    • Geographic barriers - mountain ranges, oceans, wide rivers.
    • Survival and establishment barriers - water temperature, pH, salinity.   mountains

    Why care about invasive species?

    Invasive species can:

    • Displace or otherwise harm native species
    • Alter ecosystem processes
    • Reduce biodiversity
    • Cause illnesses in animals and humans
    • Cause severe economic impacts
    • Reduce property values

    shell

    Human activities that may introduce or perpetuate the spread of invasive species:

    • Illegal fish stocking - Illegally introducing a non-native fish into a water body.
    • Legal fish stocking -  legally introducing a non-native fish into a water body, usually for recreational fishing, or for population controls on other fish.
    • Ships and boats - Ballast water is used to stabilize ships. This water often uptakes organisms, carrying them from one place to another. It has been estimated that more than 3,000 species of animals and plants are transported daily around the world in ballast water.Hull fouling is what happens when aquatic organisms attach to the ship.
    • Improperly cleaned equipment from fieldwork or recreational activities can unintentionally spread invasive species on the equipment that is used.

     

    Aquatic invasive species specifically can:

    • Reduce fish populations
    • Ruin boat engines
    • Jam steering equipment
    • Make lakes and rivers unusable for boaters and swimmers
    • Increase operating costs of drinking water plants, power plants, dam maintenance, and industrial processes
    • Reduce native species
    • Degrade ecosystems

     

    Interesting Facts:

    skullInvasive species are the second leading cause of species extinction and loss of biodiversity in aquatic habitats throughout the word.

     

    moneyIn the eastern US experts estimate that mussels cost power and water industries 5 billion dollars every year. Companies must pay to remove mussels from clogged filters, pipes, and water delivery systems.

     

     waterbucketTamarisk has displaced native vegetation (e.g., cottonwoods, willows) on approximately 1.6 million acres of land in the Western United States and is still spreading. Tamarisk grows in dense thickets and can take up 200 gallons of water each day. The west is losing anywhere from 2 to 4.5 million acre-feet of water each year due to this invasive species.

     

    How do invasive species affect water quality?

    cheatgrassCheatgrass Bromus tectorum (shown above) covers millions of acres in the western United States. Cheat grass burns easily and increases the risk of fires. This in turn increases fire-related impacts on natural waters from heavily burned watersheds.

    carpCommon Carp Cyprinus carpio (shown above) feeds by searching through underwater vegetation. This feeding habit uproots plants which muddies the water. This makes it hard for other fish to see and destroys the food and cover for other fish.

    pepperweedPepperweed Lepidium latifolium(shown above) invades riparian zones, salt marshes and other habitats in the western United States. It can interfere with the regeneration of cottonwoods and willow, which are two important native species in western stream corridors.

     

    Tips to stop the spread of invasive species


    Spread the word, not the invasive species

    wristbandControl of invasive species can be extremely difficult once they are established.  The cost to prevent, monitor, and control invasive species is huge. Prevention is far better and less expensive than control so let's work to keep them out!

    Informing the public by local, state, tribal, and federal agencies can be expensive, time consuming, and sometimes even intrusive, especially when people are trying to enjoy being outside. By telling just one other person, like a neighbor or friend, you can help raise awareness and protect our water.

    When you are buying plants for your yard or garden make sure they are not invasive species. Replace invasive species with non-invasive plants. Contact your local nursery for more information.

    Don't release aquarium fish, live bait, or other exotic animals, or plants, into the wild. If you plan on owning an exotic pet, please do your research before committing to take care of it.

    Clean your boots, bags, and any other equipment after hiking or backpacking and throw away food before you travel to different places.

    Boats/Watercraft

    Please fill out a certification form when you do this process.

    All you need to do is Clean, Drain and Dry!

    Clean any aquatic vegetation, mud and debris off of your boat and equipment.

    Drain all of the water out of the boat (including live wells and ballast tanks). Make sure you lower the motor on your boat all the way in order to drain it. Leave hatches open to dry. Set anything that may have come in contact with the water out to dry (e.g., life jackets, ropes, anchors, inflatable toys).

    Dry your boat for at least:

    • 7 days in the summer
    • 18 days in the fall or spring
    • 30 days in winter or 3 consecutive days below freezing

    Don't want to wait that long? Have a professional decontamination done. Professional decontamination uses 140 degree water with no soaps or chemicals. To find a professional decontamination station near you call:

    Northern Utah 801-648-6315

    Northeastern Utah 435-790-8938

    Central Utah 435-503-4066

    Southern Utah 435-691-2427

    Southeastern Utah 435-630-3132

     nomusselsboatcleaning

    More Information:

    Protectyourwaters.net

    Aquatic Invasion! (lesson plan for 6th-10th graders)

    Utah Invasive Species List (Feb. 2011)

    Invasive Mussels

    Invasive Mussels video by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources