1. An Introduction to Invasive Species Jennifer West Coastal Training Program Coordinator

2. What are invasive species? “Alien species whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health” -Executive Order 13112 P. Del TrediciN. LoewensteinJ. Miller D. Cameron

3. Ecological Impacts "On a global basis...the two great destroyers of biodiversity are, first habitat destruction and, second, invasion by exotic species” ( E.O. Wilson) ~42% of threatened or endangered species are at risk due to invasive species (The Nature Conservancy) J. Novak A. Cressler

4. Economic Impacts In total, invasive species cost the US ~ $120 billion/year (Pimentel et al., 2005) High control and management costs Infrastructure damage Reduced productivity in forestry, agricultural, and fishing sectors Property value reduction Decreased tourism USGS RIDEM USGS

5. Social Impacts Recreation Reduce aesthetics/visibility Become entangled around motors Obstruct access to boat ramps/lanes Snag fishing lines Health Disease vectors Poisonous/caustic progressivecharlestown.comUSDA Invasive.org D. Elllis

6. Why are invasive species successful? Grow rapidly High reproductive rate Reproduce at a young age Tolerant of a wide variety of environmental conditions Lack of natural controls athenssciencecafe

7. How do invasive species get here? Pathways Natural Man-made –Landscaping industry –Ballast water discharge –Boat hull and trailers –Improper disposal and release –Live food trade RIDEM

8. Japanese barberry Multiflora roseAutumn olive Oriental bittersweetJapanese knotweed Black swallowwort

9. Hemlock wooly adelgid progressivecharlestown.com NOFA/RI Winter moth F. Lakatos Gypsy moth USDA NOFA/RI

10. Variable milfoilFanwort Asian clam Carp Purple Loosestrife gobotany RIDEM

11. Common Reed BryozoanTunicates (Sea Squirts) Green CrabAsian Shore CrabOriental Grass Shrimp

12. Emerald ash borer Asian long- horned beetle Zebra mussel Chinese mitten crab Rock snot nyis.info

13. Management Prevent –Education –Monitoring Detect Respond Control –Mechanical –Chemical –Biological EDRR

15. What can you do?

16. Thank You!