The PEI Invasive Species Spotter s Network

Transcription

1 The PEI Invasive Species Spotter s Network

2 What is an invasive species? An invasive species is any organism* that has become established outside of its native range, has a tendency to spread, and causes ecological, economic or social problems. * plant, animal, insect, disease, etc.

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4 How do IS impact our environment? Reduce biodiversity Replace diverse systems with single-species stands Periwinkle (Vinca minor) infestation in Strathgartney Park

5 Wild cucumber (Echinocystis lobata) infestation Photo by: Barry Murray, Kensington North Watersheds Association

6 How do IS impact our environment? Alter habitat Change soil chemistry, reduce soil organisms, displace food for wildlife, alter hydrology, etc. Fruit of our native serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.) Fruit of common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica)

7 Yellow flag iris (Iris pseudacorus) infestation

8 How do IS impact our environment? Provide competition For endangered or at risk species, and native plants Displaces native species Threatened Scotch St. Lawrence broom Aster (Cytisus (Symphyotrichum scoparius) infestation laurentianum)

9 Black-capped chickadee Photo by Brendan Lally Northern flicker Photo by Nature s Pics Introduced European starling (Sturnus vulgaris), cavity nester Tree swallow Photo by Andrew C

10 How do they impact our economy? Invasive species can negatively impact our economy by increasing cost and effort required to harvest natural resources and crops. Agriculture Reduce crop yield Increase herbicide usage Increased new diseases and insects that piggyback imported plants Aquaculture Increased fuel costs Increased clean up costs Invaders that attached to boat can affect maneuverability

11 How do they impact our health and recreation? Invasive species can affect our health when we come into close contact with them Burns sustained from contact with Giant Hogweed

12 How do they impact our health and recreation?

13 How are invasive species moved? Mostly by humans Intentionally And unintentionally

14 Intentionally

15 Unintentionally

16 Unintentionally

17 Naturally

18 How can we prevent further spread? Garden waste dumping site along natural area trail adjacent to a residential area in Charlottetown

19 Kudzu (Pueraria montana) infestation in Del Rio, TN How can we prevent this?

20 Raising awareness of invasive species Taking on eradication projects Monitoring current populations of IS in PEI Keeping up-to-date with neighbouring jurisdictions Engaging volunteers in IS surveillance The PEI Invasive Species Spotter s Network

21 What is a Spotter s Network? A network of professionals and volunteers that are trained in plant identification and that submit invasive species observations to a central database.

22 Surveillance & Reporting Training Spotter s Kits Additional Support Surveillance & Reporting VOLUNTEER SPOTTERS PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS (Government Departments, Island Nature Trust, Parks Canada, City of Charlottetown, Ducks Unlimited, PEI Watershed Alliance, Island Trails, etc.) ACTION EDRR CONTACTS

23 Why have a Spotter s Network? It makes economic sense IS cost Canadians millions of dollars every year If a species is detected early, it can be handled quickly and infestations may not occur A preliminary report of the economic costs resulting from invasive alien species conservatively estimated annual cumulative costs for 16 species is between $13.3 and $34.5 billion. These estimates are known to be incomplete, and it is widely estimated that the damage resulting from past introductions of harmful invasive plant pests on agricultural crops and forestry is $7.5 billion annually. From An Invasive Alien Species Strategy for Canada (2004)

24 Why have a Spotter s Network? To collect valuable information which can then be shared with partner organizations Distribution data Eventually maps, reports, etc. Hopefully leading to informed decisions

25 Why have a Spotter s Network? To engage Islanders Promoting community-based environmental stewardship Increasing awareness and understanding of invasive species Encouraging responsible outdoor recreation

26 What else do I need to know? PEIISC will hopefully be hosting a training session for volunteer spotters this summer Training materials can also be provided online for self-guided training Spotter kits are available for volunteers

27 How do I become a volunteer spotter? Sign up today! Sign up online peiinvasives.ca Send us an peiinvasives@gmail.com

28 Will you help protect Island ecosystems and biodiversity?

29 Thanks for listening!