Invasives in the News

The Spiny Water Flea: A Ticking Time Bomb for our Fisheries

January 27, 2017

The arrival of spiny waterflea is bad news for North American fisheries.

Sugar Makers, Foresters Say Thanks for Battling Asian Longhorned Beetle

December 15, 2016

The loss of more than 35,000 trees because of the Asian longhorned beetle was a bitter experience for many area residents. But a pancake breakfast hosted by Vermont foresters and maple sugar industry representatives Tuesday made that loss at least a little bittersweet.

Vermont’s Invasive Exotic Plant Watch List Updated

December 13, 2016

The Vermont Invasive Exotic Plant Committee (VIEPC) maintains an unofficial watch list of plants that are known to be invasive, and may or may not be present yet in Vermont. The watch list was updated this year.

Invasive Plants: An Endpoint?

December 12, 2016

Ethan Tapper, Chittenden County Forester for the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, reflects on his role negotiating the relationship between humans and the forested ecosystems of Chittenden County. In this article, Ethan expresses both his admiration for the resiliency of Vermont's forests and his concern for the impacts of invasive species.

Vermont Aquatic Nuisance Control Grants Program

December 12, 2016

The Vermont Aquatic Nuisance Control grant-in-aid grants program is now accepting applications for 2017 projects addressing aquatic invasive and nuisance species. The applications are due no later than Wednesday, February 8, 2017.

First sign of invasive mussels detected in Montana

November 15, 2016

For the first time, Dreissenid mussels have been documented in a Montana waterbody. Montana had been one of only a handful of states that did not have a confirmed population.

Emerald Ash Borer May Become a Problem for Olive Growers

November 1, 2016

In October 2014, researchers at Wright State University discovered that an invasive insect called the emerald ash borer (EAB) was attacking white fringetrees (Chionanthus virginicus) in addition to ash trees. This was big news at the time. The EAB had already killed tens of millions of ash trees, and the fact that it could harm another species made it even more devastating.

Spotlight on a Greeter Program: Waterbury Reservoir

October 19, 2016

Visitors to Waterbury Reservoir may have encountered something new at the lake this year: a nice young man with a yellow “Public Access Greeter” shirt on. This summer was the inaugural year for a Public Access Greeter Program at Waterbury Reservoir (FWR), which was established by Friends of Waterbury Reservoir with assistance from the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation’s aquatic nuisance species grant-in-aid program. A part-time greeter, along with a motivated group of volunteers from FWR, offered invasive species education and boat inspections at multiple launch sites around this aquatic gem in central Vermont.

Season Highlights for Invasive Plant Management in Vermont

October 19, 2016

The growing season for 2016 saw many projects across the state tackling the forest, field, and wetland health issue of non-native invasive plants. Below are highlights of some of these amazing local efforts. Huge thanks to everyone who is working toward making our Vermont landscapes healthier and more resilient, and protecting them for generations to come.

Mapping for Healthy Forests Superstar: Tom Norton

October 19, 2016

The Mapping for Healthy Forests (M4HF) pilot project continues to build momentum, with our volunteers collecting over 2,200 observations of non-native invasive plants, across 120+ Vermont towns. Making huge waves in eastern VT, is Superstar Volunteer, Tom Norton. A retired engineer, Tom now spends his time as a musician, gardener, naturalist, and land steward. He is moved by the desire to see biodiversity across the 200 acres of forested land he stewards in Thetford and Hartford.

Forest Tent Caterpillar Resurgence in Vermont

October 18, 2016

The numbers of Forest Tent Caterpillar, a native insect that feeds on hardwoods, are on the rise. The Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (VT FPR) monitors Forest Tent Caterpillar. Trap catches this year increased compared to last year in 12 of 13 sites. Populations seem to be growing across the state. The 2016 aerial survey mapped at least 24,500 acres of FTC defoliation. Heaviest defoliation occurred in Essex, Lamoille, Orleans and Caledonia counties.

New Aquatic Invasive Species Confirmed in Lake Bomoseen

October 6, 2016

Vermont Agency of Natural Resources staff have confirmed the presence of Asian clams (Corbicula fluminea) in Lake Bomoseen.

An Army of Beetles Could Save Dying Hemlock Forests

September 13, 2016

When the woolly adelgid come and a white cloud of tiny insects descends on the forest, the eastern hemlock dies.

'Femme Fatale' Emerald Ash Borer Decoy Lures, Kills Males

September 6, 2016

An international team of researchers has designed decoys that mimic female emerald ash borer beetles and successfully entice male emerald ash borers to land on them in an attempt to mate, only to be electrocuted and killed by high-voltage current.

How Invasive Species (Slowly) Push Plants Toward Extinction

September 1, 2016

"A new paper suggests we need to rethink our models about endangered plant species.

Japanese knotweed. Purple loosestrife. Kudzu. Mesquite. Giant hogweed. Bitou bush. What do all of these plants have in common? Easy: they’re all among the most invasive plant species on the planet. Wherever they turn up, native species often get squeezed out and pushed toward extinction.