By Keith Thomas

Invasive Plants and Animals in Connecticut, their Impacts, and

Possible Solutions

IntroductionInvasive Species - An

invasive species is a species that, though non-native to a region, becomes established there, and successfully out-competes the previously present local wildlife. These species usually lack predators to keep their population in check. 40

Causes?Non-native species are imported by…

Natural Events, including…Weather patternsTides and currentsAnimal movement unrelated to humans

Human activities, including…GardeningAgriculture/AquacultureShipping of goods, animals, and people 39

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Why do we give a rat’s behind what invasive species do?Invasive wildlife causes…

Decrease in biodiversity through…Competing for foodEating native speciesLessening a local population’s genetic variation 45

Altering ecological cyclesDestruction to human property, agriculture

and aquaculture such as…“Adversely affecting recreational activities, and

depressing lakefront property values.” 2

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BiodiversityBiodiversity – The variety of wildlife in a given

ecosystem. It is important to have it to keep ecological stability.

As invasive species decrease biodiversity, the native species weaken, becoming more susceptible to diseases and other pests. 13

“At least 40 per cent of the world’s economy and 80 per cent of the needs of the poor are derived from biological resources. In addition, the richer the diversity of life, the greater the opportunity for medical discoveries, economic development, and adaptive responses to such new challenges as climate change.” 16

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“[Invasive species are] a global problem costing enormous ecological

and economic problems.” 2

So, what do we do about invasive species?

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What have we done in the past?Laws

The US has been fighting non-native species since as early as 1954, in which the US and Canada held a convention on the Great Lakes fisheries, in which both agreed to form a Commission to do research on the fisheries in order to help combat the parasitic sea lamprey, which was doing serious damage to the fisheries. 14

1

What have we done in the past?Laws

In 1957, Congress passed the Federal Plant Pest Act, which prohibited “the movement of plant pests from a foreign country into or through the United States unless authorized by USDA.” 21

The Federal Noxious Weed Act was passed in 1975, in which “the Secretary of Agriculture was given the authority to designate plants as noxious weeds by regulation, and the movement of all such weeds in interstate or foreign commerce was prohibited except under permit.” 17

What have we done in the past?Laws

1990 heralded the passing of the Non-Indigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act. 18

The aforementioned act was modified 6 years later by the National Invasive Species Act, mostly by trying to prevent the release of invasive species in the Great Lakes through ballast water. 33

The National Invasive Species Council was created in 1999 by Executive Order 13112. 28

Zebra Mussels

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Zebra Mussel Distribution

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Jeeze, hopefully the public’s helping too…

Fortunately, they are indeed helping. There are various websites that will tell you what YOU can do to help in the fight against invasive species.

Some public organizations that have been formed to help the effort, or that were formed for other purposes but seem to be helping anyways, include:Defenders of Wildlife (biodiversitypartners.org)Connecticut Invasive Plant Workgroup (

hort.uconn.com)Many, many more.

167 48 12

Is the government doing anything beyond sitting around and being bureaucratic and passing laws?…Not really.Department of Environmental Protection-

http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2702&q=323494&depNav_GID=1641

http://www.ct.gov/Dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2702&q=323496&depNav_GID=1641

Environmental Protection Agency-Extremely difficult to find, and rather

unhelpful when found.

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Picture Break5

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Screw the War on Terrorism! Lets get one going against

Invasive Species!Thesis: Invasive species are a major problem,

for humans and native species alike. By working together and spreading awareness, the problem can be fixed though.

Proposed Solutions:Step 1: Spread Awareness/Rouse the Troops

AdvertisementsMeetings

Step 2: Take Action/CHHHHAAAARRRGGGGEEE!!!!Fight them in the trenches, fight them in the streets, KILL

THEM ALL!Step 3: Make sure they don’t come back

Tougher prevention laws

• Thesis: Invasive species are bad.

Didymo, “Rock Snot”40

Mwahahaha!

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