1. Invasive Species

2. Invasive Species Public Awareness Campaign 2009 Sunset Commission raised issue of exotic aquatic plants and directed the Department to:2009 Sunset Commission raised issue of exotic aquatic plants and directed the Department to: “provide greater information to the public on the harm caused by releasing exotic species.” “provide greater information to the public on the harm caused by releasing exotic species.”

3. Invasive Species What is an invasive species? An "invasive species" is defined as a species that is non-native (or alien) to the ecosystem. Grows, reproduces and spreads rapidly Lacks natural predators and competitors Are disease resistant

4. Aquatic Invasive Species

5. Invasive Species Impact Why should I care? It’s costly to treat, control and to remedy damage that is caused to public resources & personal equipment Negatively impacts recreational activities May reduce property values in affected areas Degrades ecosystems and reduces native plant and game fish populations

6. Invasive Species Campaign Giant Salvinia (Salvinia molesta) the first species to be addressed

7. Giant Salvinia Floating, rootless fern Grows in chains, forming dense mats Native of Brazil Popular aquarium plant First found in Texas in 1998 Currently reported in over a dozen Texas water bodies and in most US coastal states

8. Why Giant Salvinia? Highly destructive Can double in size in one week Best opportunity to reduce and control

9. Hello Salvinia ~ Goodbye Lakes Hello Salvinia ~ Goodbye Lakes Six month unchecked growth rate of Giant Salvinia beginning with ¼ acre Lake Austin (1,599 ac) Lake Amistad (64,900 ac) Lake Texoma (74,686 ac) Toledo Bend (181,600 ac) All Texas Lakes (3.2 million acres)

10. Giant Salvinia Campaign Public Awareness Campaign: –Primarily in East Texas –Focus at the following lakes: Toledo Bend ReservoirToledo Bend Reservoir Caddo LakeCaddo Lake Lake Sam RayburnLake Sam Rayburn Lake ConroeLake Conroe

11. Giant Salvinia Campaign Strategy: Multi-media campaign –On-the-Ground –Broadcast and Print –Online –TPWD Vehicles –Fishing Events –Media Events

12. On-The-Ground Signage Buoys Metal boat ramp signs

13. On-The-Ground Media Pump Toppers & Billboards

14. On-The-Ground Displays Exhibits & Banners

15. Website www.texasinvasives.org www.texasinvasives.org Partnership with Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Features: –Invasives 101 –Eco-Alerts by region –Report new sightings online

16. Online Advertising Animated Banner Ad shows rapid growth of Giant Salvinia

17. Print Ad ‘09-10 Outdoor Annual Texas Parks & Wildlife Texas Monthly

18. TV and Online Videos

19. Brochure, with tear-off pocket ID guide card & Ruler Sticker Event Materials

20. Resources Texas Parks & Wildlife, www.tpwd.state.tx.uswww.tpwd.state.tx.us Texas Invasives, www.texasinvasives.orgwww.texasinvasives.org Protect Your Waters, www.protectyourwaters.netwww.protectyourwaters.net Aquatic Plant Management Society: Understanding Invasive Aquatic Weeds Activity booklet and interactive web site, www.apms.org/activity.htm www.apms.org/activity.htm University of Florida: Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/ http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/

21. How You Can Help Include invasive species information and education activities in your Angler Ed classes and events Help educate boaters and anglers about cleaning their boats, trailers, vehicles, fishing equipment, clothing, dogs & not releasing bait Communicate! (club newsletters, Facebook, etc) Learn to ID invasive species and report new sightings Have a partnership idea? Contact us!

22. Thank You!