RECENT ANS ANNOUNCEMENTS

Wildlife Forever Releases 2022 National Report on Invasive Species

Wildlife Forever is proud to release the 2022 Clean Drain Dry Initiative annual accomplishment report. Through applied use of media and community outreach, the public awareness campaign generated a staggering 90 million impressions in 2022.   

Targeted marketing and consistent messaging are key elements ensuring Clean Drain Dry communications are relevant to a broad range of stakeholders. Last year, the campaign and associated outreach efforts generated investments, discounted services, and savings of over $912,000.00. 

In addition to multi-media outreach campaigns, Wildlife Forever conducts on-the-ground, landscape-scale, efforts to slow the spread of invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.

Learn more about invasive species . The Access Enhancement Guidebook is the culmination of years of evaluation, analyzing water accesses, recommending signage, and deploying infrastructure improvements that empower users to prevent the spread of invasive species. The report includes case studies at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge and Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge. FULL PRESS RELEASE.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

UPCOMING WEBINARS

North American Invasive Species Management Association Webinar Series

March 15, 2023 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm CDT: Webinar: Preventing the Spread of Invasive Species through PlayCleanGo and WorkCleanGo

PlayCleanGo®: Stop Invasive Species In Your Tracks® is NAISMA’s official, branded, registered, trademark-protected education and outreach program aimed at stopping the spread of invasive species through outdoor recreational pathways. The international campaign is grounded in a Community Based Social Marketing (CBSM) strategy. NAISMA partners and PlayCleanGo supporters share prevention communication through social channels, as this proven outdoor recreation focused campaign aims to prevent the spread of invasive species by effecting behavior change and reminding recreationists to clean their gear every time they go to their favorite or a new recreation area. This is achieved through positive messaging that resonates with recreationists’ and field workers’ values, and includes a clear call to action to clean boots, boats, and other outdoor gear.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Canadian Council on Invasive Species - Prince Edward Island Invasive Species Coordinator

The Coordinator position will build capacity for PEIISC and carry out important work that will move invasive species initiatives forward. Work completed will benefit PEI ecosystems, rural and urban forests, and species at risk as well as raise public awareness about invasive species (IS). We are looking for a highly motivated individual to manage local and partnership projects on a regional and national level. The PEIISC Coordinator will develop new, and strengthen existing partnerships to prevent the spread and impact of invasive species. Closing Date:  March 10 2023, 5 p.m. LEARN MORE.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

 None this week.

RECOMMENDED READING

Educators’ and Visitors’ Perceptions of Invasive Species Education in Zoos

Steele, Z. T., & Pienaar, E. F. (2023). Educators’ and Visitors’ Perceptions of Invasive Species Education in Zoos. Visitor Studies, 1-17.

The bioeconomic paradox of market-based invasive species harvest: a case study of the commercial lionfish fishery

Harris, H.E., Patterson, W.F., Ahrens, R.N.M. et al. The bioeconomic paradox of market-based invasive species harvest: a case study of the commercial lionfish fishery. Biol Invasions (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-023-02998-5.

Elodea mediates juvenile salmon growth by altering physical structure in freshwater habitats

Carey, M. P., Reeves, G. H., Sethi, S. A., Tanner, T. L., Young, D. B., Bartz, K. K., & Zimmerman, C. E. (2023). Elodea mediates juvenile salmon growth by altering physical structure structure
Something temporarily or permanently constructed, built, or placed; and constructed of natural or manufactured parts including, but not limited to, a building, shed, cabin, porch, bridge, walkway, stair steps, sign, landing, platform, dock, rack, fence, telecommunication device, antennae, fish cleaning table, satellite dish/mount, or well head.

Learn more about structure in freshwater habitats. Biological Invasions, 1-17.

ANS IN THE NEWS

Washington State is seriously threatened by invasive species

February 25, 2023. More than 200 invasive species have already established themselves in Washington alone. The Washington Invasive Species Council keeps tabs on these and other invasive species that may pose a severe threat to the state but have not yet crossed its borders.

Invasive Cuban treefrog extends its presence in Florida

February 24, 2023. Recent scientific research predicts that, as the climate warms, most of the Southeastern U.S. will be suitable for Cuban treefrogs to inhabit. This data is taken from an unpublished report written by Steven A. Johnson, professor of herpetology, concerning the environmental and infrastructural impact of these invasive amphibians.

Nevada wildlife officials working to remove invasive species of crayfish

February 24, 2023. Wildlife officials are currently working to remove an invasive species of crayfish from the Clark County Wetlands Park.

Montana council releases invasive species watch list

February 23, 2023. The Montana Invasive Species Council, a governor-appointed group of scientists, resource managers and outdoor industry professionals, recently released “Montana’s Invasive Species to Watch List” ahead of National Invasive Species Week.

Good or bad? Some 'invasive species' can help native ecosystems thrive

February 23, 2023. Whether or not invasive species threaten native biodiversity and ecosystems has been a point of debate amongst researchers for years.Invasive species have caused extinctions of native species and even altered the functioning of ecosystems. But not all species that are introduced to new areas become invasive — meaning they cause negative impacts.

A Silver Lining for Invasive Species

February 22, 2023. Dealing with invasive species can be a real drag. Fortunately, there's a silver lining—it’s invasive species scientists!

FWC taking bold steps to prevent new invasive species in Florida

February 22, 2023. Commissioners tasked staff with drafting proposed rules to prevent the establishment of new nonnative species in Florida. Staff will explore including a risk analysis to prove a species poses little or no threat to Florida’s ecology, economy, as well as human health.

A Partnership in Invasive Species Action

February 21, 2023. During National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW), February 20-26, 2023, USACE, along with its state and federal partners, would like Floridians to help slow the spread of invasive species affecting our state’s natural resources and economy.

What is a Burmese python, and how did it end up in Florida?

February 21, 2023. In pictures, the carnivorous Burmese python looks more like a reptilic beast than a snake. The Python subspecies ranges anywhere from 16 to 23 feet in length, can weigh up to 200 pounds, and has an average life span of 20 to 25 years, per National Geographic.

These Invasive Fish Species Are Wreaking Havoc in the Marine World

February 21, 2023. Commercial fishing — along with the aquarium trade — has shifted the habitats of many fish populations across the globe. This can negatively impact ecosystems when local species are overtaken by their larger, more adaptable, invasive counterparts.

Invasive Plant report released

February 21, 2023. The Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program has released its 2022 annual report. The report provides updates on the presence of invasive species in the Adirondack region, special initiatives, ongoing research, and more.

Florida researchers capture invasive pythons by attaching GPS collars to prey

February 21, 2023. To better find, capture and remove invasive Burmese pythons in Florida’s Everglades, a team of researchers is attaching location-tracking collars on animals such as raccoons and opossums that the predatory snakes feed on.