Invasive plant species are a threat to the ecological integrity of the Niagara River watershed. They cause or contribute to:
- Habitat degradation and loss
- Disruption of natural ecological processes
- The loss of native fish, wildlife and tree species
- The loss of recreational opportunities and income
- Crop damage and diseases in humans and livestock
Educating landowners as to properly controlling and eradicating invasive plant species is a critical part of maintaining watershed health. As advocated for in Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper’sNative Plant Guide, avoiding the planting of invasive species is the first step toward curbing their spread. Alist of invasives still commonly sold in nurseriesis available from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.
識別和去除侵襲性是恢複生態健康的重要方麵。一個重要且經常被忽視的組成部分是適當處置侵入性植物。如果沒有正確處理，他們隻會促進新侵擾的傳播。有關更多信息，請參閱入侵物種處理指南。
鑒別：
Many invasive plants have a native look-alike. It is important to properly identify and verify the invasive before beginning removal. Refer to the guides below, and take a look at Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper’sGuide to Invasive Species, for images and identification techniques. When in doubt contact your當地合作延期.
Management and Removal:
Complete eradication of invasive plants may be desirable however this is not always feasible. Controlling existing populations and preventing their spread is a more practical and attainable goal. There are three methods of control: mechanical, biological, and chemical. Control methods and timelines for treatment vary for each species. Refer to the links below for more on these methods including a list ofDEC approved pesticide applicators.
Early detection and response is critical for the effective control of invasive species. The Western New York Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM) is leading this effort within the region. This taskforce coordinates partner and volunteer efforts, provides outreach and education, performs early detection and monitoring networks, and implements control efforts for local invasive species. Visit theirwebsiteto find out about volunteer opportunities and new information regarding invasive species within the region.
Get Involved!
Your involvement is important to combating the presence of invasive species within the region. Some best management practices that you can follow to help combat the spread of invasive species include:
- Usesmartphone applicationssuch asiMapInvasivesto track and report invasive species in your area
- Purchase firewood locally (preferably within 50 miles) as it can act as a vector for the spread of invasive insects
- When hiking or boating, thoroughly clean and dry anything that contacted water or potential seed sources (more details here [http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/48221.html])
- Use only native or naturalized species when landscaping
- Follow proper techniques to control and dispose of any invasive species on your property
- Spread the word! Share your knowledge of invasive species with your friends and family
Diverkeeper的恢複兵團提供了額外的機會，可以在本地打擊侵入物種。參觀webpageand join theemail listto stay updated on Restore Corps activities.
Online Resources:
Buffalo Niagara WATERKEEPER’s Native Plant Guide
Buffalo Niagara WATERKEEPER’s Guide to Invasive Species
康奈爾合作延伸艾利縣
Cornell Cooperative Extension Niagara County
紐約侵入物種清算室
紐約ImapInvasives
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Buffalo Niagara WATERKEEPER Restore Corps
USDA Non-native Invasive Species Best Management Practices
USDA Manager’s Toolkit
New York Invasive Species Research Institute
Common Invasive Species Found in the Niagara River Watershed:
Zebra & Quagga Mussels
Round Goby (Fish)
刺水蚤（甲殼類動物）
歐亞水利道（水生植物）
Curly Leaf Pondweed (Aquatic Plant)
日本Knotweed（植物）
馬蹄(水生植物)
Hydrilla (Aquatic Plant)
Mugwort (Plant)
Non-native Cattails (Plant)
巨型霍夫德（植物）
常見的蘆葦/蘆葦澳大利亞（植物）
紫色洛斯庫雷夫（植物）