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Issues & Action
Invasive Species THE
PROBLEM
 Non-native
and invasive exotic species are quickly becoming one of the
largest threats to biodiversity in terrestrial and aquatic
ecosystems in New York State. The term invasive species describes
the set of harmful, non-native plants, animals, and microorganisms
found throughout the United States. Even a species from another
area of the United States, like Black Locust, can be invasive
when removed from its natural controls. Some species were
intentionally imported for horticulture, agriculture, erosion
control or as exotic pets and game. Others slipped in with
cargo shipments and bilge water. These aggressive species
are associated with numerous environmental problems such as
degradation of water quality and fisheries, reductions in
agricultural output, and changing the historic biological
makeup of many public and private parks and wilderness areas
around the state. There is also a measurable loss of habitat
for native plant and animal communities, which is requiring
significant expenditures by the state and its municipalities
to remedy. It is estimated that New York alone has a non-native
biomass as high as 35%, placing it in a small group with Hawaii
and Florida.
 Specifically
in New York, there are two areas of concern that are being
threatened by the spread of invasive species; the Shawangunk
Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge, which is one of the
most important grassland bird breeding and wintering areas
in the state, and the Wertheim
National Wildlife Refuge, where American Black Ducks are
threatened by Phragmites. Each of these sites are important
habitats for many endangered and threatened species. The National
Audubon Society has recently
recognized the Wertheim Refuge as one of the top ten hot
spots in the nation in need of protection.
 Invasive
species have heavily impacted our birds and wildlife, replacing
whole inter-related ecosystems of native plants adapted to
provide food and habitation, with monocultures. The massive
stands of Purple Loosestrife in our wetlands, which have crowded
out the cattails and other indigenous plants that provided
nutritious food, are a clear example. The Invasive
Plant Council of New York State has identified Purple
Loostrife as one of the top 20 invaders in the state. Zebra
Mussels threaten both marine organisms and diving birds. Water
Chestnut causes hypoxia in the Hudson River. It is not surprising
that invasive species and associated habitat loss are responsible
for many of the bird extinctions since 1800, and threaten
at least 69 species on the Audubon
WatchList.
To address the growing threat invasive
species pose to the state, in 2003 the New York State Legislature
and Governor created the New York State Invasive Species Task
Force. This Task Force was charged with assessing the environmental,
ecological, agricultural, economic, recreational and social
impacts of invasive species in New York. In addition, they
were to assess the adequacy of existing laws, regulations,
programs, and policies dealing with this issue. They were
required to issue a comprehensive report detailing its findings
and providing recommendations for future action to address
the growing problems associated with invasive species by November
30, 2005. Click here
for a copy of their report.
WHAT YOU CAN DO!
Even though this major initiative was
passed last year, the problems with invasive species are still
growing. Here is a list of what you can do to help stop the
spread of invasives.
The national
fight against the spread of invasive species is still
on going and the National Audubon Society is working with
Congress to adopt measures aimed at addressing the environmental
threats invasive species pose, and they need your help. Follow
this link to find out more about invasive species and how
you can help fight their spread on the national level.
The local fight - Audubon New York is
currently working with counties across the state to adopt
measures requiring the use of only native plants in designing,
planting, maintaining and managing all County owned lands.
Your Backyard - the Audubon At Home program
offers many great practical tips for homeowners to create
bird friendly backyards using native species. Properly selected
native plants naturally require less time, energy, and water
to maintain, and reduce the need for fertilizers and pesticides
to be use. Visit the Audubon
At Home website to learn more about what species are good
to plant, and for more practical tips for planting a bird
friendly backyard.
Visit the Brooklyn
Botanic Garden Pest Alert website to learn more about
stopping invasive insects such as the Asian Longhorned Beetle,
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid or the Viburnum Leaf Beetle.
Attention Boaters: prevent the spread
of invasive species (Zebra
Mussels, Eurasian
Water Milfoil, and European
Water Chestnut) to other lakes and rivers in New York by:
- Removing any mussels, plants and other growth from your
boat and trailer, and dispose of them on land.
- Wash boats, trailers, and equipment with hot water, rubbing
down gritty areas or spraying with a high-pressure hose.
Allow all equipment to dry between uses.
- Drain all water from bilges, live wells, bait buckets
and coolers, and discard excess bait on dry land.
- Flush motors and engines on land - not in the water.
- Wash all tackle before using again.
You can also visit these websites:
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