Invasive species are a national ecological threat to our outdoor places and ecosystems. They impact our backyards and places where we hike, camp, fish, hunt, and explore.
Feb. 24 through 28th marks National Invasive Species Awareness Week, and all around the country activities to inform the public about invasive species and help protect our environment are taking place.
What are invasive species? Invasive species can be plants, insects, or animals. They are introduced, non-native species that thrive in areas beyond their natural range. Did you know that approximately 37% of Pennsylvania’s plants are non-native plant species?
Not all non-natives are invasive. The rapid rate of spread, ability to reproduce in new areas without assistance, as well as the extent of environmental impact helps determine if a non-native species is invasive. Some invasive species fly under the radar, such as hemlock wooly adelgid, while others are obvious eyesores on the landscape, like Japanese knotweed along streams and rivers. All have the capacity to cause significant harm to natural systems.
Because invasive species spread so easily, we can only combat them if we work across the entire landscape. In our area, a cooperative group called the Allegheny Plateau Invasive Plant Management Area (APIPMA) was formed to educate the public and to combat invasive plants within the Upper Allegheny watershed in a five-county area. APIPMA brings together federal, state, and local agencies along with private industry and local citizens to work toward invasive plant awareness, inventory, prevention, early detection and control. APIPMA also works to prioritize the most critical areas in our region to target invasive plant control and treat plant infestations.
Two upcoming projects focus on two priority populations of invasive plants. New grants from the state Department of Agriculture, Rapid Response Fund, will help to treat Japanese knotweed in the Tionesta watershed in the Kane area, Warren, Elk, and Forest counties; as well as Goatsrue in the APIPMA area.
Japanese knotweed is characterized by large, heart-shaped leaves that grow from hollow, bamboo-like stems. Knotweed is able to grow in a variety of environments, such as riparian areas, right-of-ways, and disturbed areas and spreads rapidly once established. The plant produces flowers through the late summer and early fall, but mainly reproduces through its root system below ground, which makes it extremely difficult to control.
Goatsrue is a perennial legume plant commonly growing along roadsides and disturbed areas. It is a Pennsylvania and federally listed Noxious Weed and it is illegal to propagate, spread, plant, or sell this plant. Goatsrue is poisonous to livestock. It resembles crown vetch, but is taller and with pea-like white to purple flowers. The plants produce numerous seeds which can last up to 27 years in the soil. If this is on your property, you will want to eliminate it from the landscape to prevent its spread.
Have these plants on your property? If you live in the Tionesta watershed (southwest McKean, Warren, Forest, or Elk County) and have Japanese knotweed on your property; OR have Goatsrue on your property, call Maddie Stanisch at the McKean County Conservation District (814-887-4020 or mmstanisch@mckeancountypa.org) to learn about our free treatment program. To learn what these plants look like, visit our website at www.mckeanconservation.com
Volunteers to help map invasive plant populations are also needed. Contact the McKean County Conservation District at the number listed if you can help.
