According to the Wikipedia Encyclopedia, Invasive Species are “subsets of species defined as introduced species or non-indigenous species.” These species could alter the way of life for surrounding native plants and affect the natural functions of our ecosystem as well as human health. Invasive species are brought upon our environment by human actions, whereas, they would not have grown naturally on their own. Eventually these plants start to breed in the new location without the help of humans and begin to cause problems for their surrounding environment. Invasive species are now known and recognized as the second greatest threat to global biodiversity. You can read the wikipedia article by following this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invasive_species.

What is the difference between a WEED and an INVASIVE PLANT?

A weed is any plant, native or exotic, whose presence is undesirable to people in a particular time or place. Weeds can be naturally occurring. An invasive plant is an exotic plant that can produce viable offspring in large numbers and has the ability to establish and spread in natural areas.

What are some of the Impacts of INVASIVE SPECIES?

Approximately 80% of endangered species plants suffer losses from competition with invasive species. With the decrease of certain native plants, animals that rely upon them are being endangered.

Typical invasive plants in the Unalakleet area include: Spotted Knapweed, Oxeye Daisy, Bigleaf Lupine, Reed Canary Grass, Bird Vetch, Quack Grass, Cheat Grass, Birdrape Mustard, and Foxtail Barley.

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