There are many ways visitors and residents can help with curbing the impacts from invasive species.
The North American Invasive Species Management Association declared Feb. 28 through March 4 National Invasive Species Awareness Week.
This is an event to raise awareness about the threat invasive species pose and what can be done to prevent their spread. Invasive species are ones that are not native and can cause harm to the environment, economy or human health. According to the North American Invasive Species Management Association, invasives cost the U.S. $120 billion annually.
The Aquatic Invasive Species Pathways Program initiative by the Benzie Conservation District is recognizing the event with a local information campaign aimed at spreading awareness of ways people can help stop the spread of invasive plants and animals.
From Feb. 28 through March 4 the program is set to provide educational material and invasive species management highlights specific to northwest Michigan on its social media platforms, Facebook and Instagram.
In a news release, aquatic invasive species coordinator Jane Perrino encouraged people across northwest Michigan to have a mobile boat washing station ready at local launch sites.
Decontaminating boats before they enter lakes and rivers is one way to help preserve the region’s natural resources and biodiversity, according to a conservation district press release.
Scheduling is happening now. Contact Perrino for more information at [email protected].
For National Invasive Species Awareness week, the association also encourages local, state and federal organizations to discuss legislation, policies and improvements that can be made to prevent and manage invasive species, states part of the release.
“Climate change, agricultural stability and the loss of wild places are all made worse when invasive species alter the natural balance of our waters and lands,” said association director Belle Bergner in the release.
“Fortunately, there’s hope. As policymakers take more serious action to address these concerns, now is the time to educate and advocate for the inclusion of invasive species management as part of the solution for our biggest worries about climate, food security and biodiversity,” Bergner said.
Bergner said that everyone has their part to play in preventing the spread of invasive species.
“We encourage organizations and individuals to advocate for increased capacity, improved collaboration and financial support for invasive species prevention and management nationally in coordination with states, tribes and local governments,” Bergner’s statement read.
Resources like invasive species profiles, free coloring pages for children, and info on the Aquatic Invasive Species Pathways Program and the Benzie Conservation District are available online at benziecd.org.
