What Is An Invasive Species
Invasive species are plants, animals, and other organisms that are introduced to a non-native ecosystem and also cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health.
Why Should We Care
In recent years, the rate and risk of invasive species introductions have increased due to increased movement of people and materials. Without natural predators in their environment, and high reproductive ability, invasive species can quickly become widespread and out-compete native species.
Following habitat destruction, invasive species are the second leading cause of biodiversity loss around the world. Forty-two percent of threatened and endangered plants and animals in the United States are directly harmed by the presence of invasive organisms.
Information courtesy of VT Invasives
What You Can Do
For most aquatic invasive species, humans are the primary vector of transport from one waterbody to another. Prevention and early detection efforts involve knowing where invasive species are currently found. Many of these nuisance plants and animals can be unknowingly carried on fishing gear, boating equipment, or in very small amounts of water in a watercraft. Invasives displace native species and disturb the ecological balance. In Lake Memphremagog we are seeing – forests of invasive Eurasian Watermilfoil, sporadic infestations of Curly-Leafed Pondweed, the first known occurrence in Vermont of the invasive macroalga, Starry Stonewort, and now the presence of Zebra Mussels is confirmed in the lake. Learn how to identify invasive aquatic plants and their native look-alikes. The easiest and most effective means to ensure that you are not moving aquatic invasives is to make sure that your vessel, as well as all your gear, is clean, drained, and dry. Prevent the Spread!
