Invasive species management

Invasive species prevention occurs at critical access points into the U.S., Alaska, and National Wildlife Refuges in Alaska. We're collaborating with federal and state agencies to manage a watercraft inspection station at the U.S.-Canada Border near Northway, Alaska. As watercraft come across the border, staff ask them to stop and answer a series of questions which help screen watercraft for 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.

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that could be detrimental to Alaska (e.g., quagga and zebra mussels, New Zealand mud snails). Clean watercraft are allowed forwards, but if the watercraft is contaminated then staff implement decontamination procedures such as draining standing water, or washing contaminated equipment using a portable hot water pressure washer. Watercraft inspection staff also collect data on incoming watercraft. The efforts at the border provide a first line of communication to incoming travelers about the threat of invasive species to Alaska's fish, wildlife, lands, and waters.  

Library

Watercraft Inspection Station at the Alaska Canada Border (PDF)

Overview of the ongoing efforts of a Watercraft Inspection Station at the Alaska-Canada border 

Facilities

a sweeping view of trees in a valley with mountains in the distance
Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge is nestled within the Upper Tanana River Valley, the abundant wetlands and forests of the Refuge welcome thousands of birds and people crossing the border into Alaska each year. The public lands and waters of the Upper Tanana offer opportunity for people to enjoy...

News

Watercraft inspector physically inspecting two kayaks on top of truck roof rack for aquatic invasive species.
Just as Gandalf famously declared 'You shall not pass!' to protect the passageway from great evil in Lord of the Rings, we must continue a similar attitude in our prevention of zebra mussels. These tiny, invasive mussels pose a serious threat to our waterways, ecosystems, and infrastructure. By...

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Programs

Aquatic invasive species cause tremendous harm to our environment, our economy, and our health. They can drive out and eat native plants and wildlife, spread diseases, and damage infrastructure. We work to protect our waterways and the communities that depend on them from the threat of invasive...
A large, wet, furry brown rodent standing on grassy land next to a body of water
Invasive species are non-native plants, animals and other living organisms that thrive in areas where they don’t naturally live and cause (or are likely to cause) economic or environmental harm, or harm to human, animal or plant health. Invasive species degrade, change or displace native habitats,...

Species