Invasive Species 101

Invasive species change not only the look of Vermont waterways and uplands, but also the ecology. Once established, invasive species can negatively impact recreation, human health, and the health of the lake, rivers, soil and the surrounding watershed.

Invasive species are organisms that have been introduced to a new location that historically were not found there, what separates invasive species from other non-native species is that they cause ecological and or economic impacts. Invasive species reproduce faster than native species, generally have no or lower nutritional value and have no predators within the ecosystem to keep them ‘in-check’. Once established in an ecosystem it is very difficult and costly to remove an invasive species. They also may pose a risk to human health through the introduction of new diseases and allergens, impact agricultural practices and livestock production.

Human actions are the primary means of introduction of invasive species. That is why it has become overly important to practice proper spread prevention. Identification and early detection are important to stopping the spread of invasive species into Vermont.

Partial list of Invasive species

found within the Lake Champlain Watershed and Vermont

• Eurasian water milfoil- aquatic plant

• Curly-leaf Pondweed- aquatic plant

• Zebra mussel- mollusk

• Asian Clam- mollusk

• Japanese Knotweed- terrestrial plant

• Purple loosestrife- terrestrial plant

• Garlic mustard- terrestrial plant

• Common reed grass- terrestrial plant

• Shrubby honeysuckle- terrestrial plant

• Yellow Iris- terrestrial plant

• Mystery Snail- aquatic organism

• Tent caterpillar- terrestrial insect

• Gypsy moth- terrestrial insect

• Earthworms- terrestrial worm

• Spiny waterflea- aquatic zooplankton

• Alewife- fish

• Sea lamprey- fish (some species are native)

• Giant hogweed- terrestrial plant

Future posts will feature specific invasive species, there impacts and how to identify/remove/prevent them.

#invasivespecies