Firewood Tips

Before using just any firewood this winter, know that moving firewood poses a risk on spreading invasive insect species. To help slow the spread of these insects, remember these firewood tips below.

*Buy and burn firewood locally.

*Don't buy firewood just because it looks clean and healthy.

*Commercially kiln-dried firewood is a good option if firewood must be moved.

*If you already have firewood from another location, burn it quickly and completely.

*Tell others of the dangers of moving firewood.

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Globalization Weighs Down Future Generations

A new study on biological invasions based on extensive data of alien species from 10 taxonomic groups and 28 European countries has shown that patterns of established alien species richness are more related to historical levels of socio-economic drivers than to contemporary ones. An international group of 16 researchers reported the new finding this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS). The publication resulted from the three-year project DAISIE (Delivering Alien Invasive Inventory for Europe, www.europe-aliens.org), funded by European Union within its 6th Framework Programme. Click the source link to read more.

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Gee Creek Undergoes Native Makeover

Gee Creek in Washington recently underwent a native species makeover. The city removed invasive plants along the creek and replaced nonnative plants with 150 native trees. The city did this work through a grant funded by the Department of Ecology. City employees, volunteers and AmeriCorps teams gave their time to help clean up the invasives at Gee Creek. Click here to read more.

100 Pound African Tortoise Found in Arizona

The Arizona Game and Fish Department recently found a 100 pound tortoise living in the Sonoran Desert in Arizona. Native Arizona turtles rarely get up to 15 pounds. Scientists believe this African spurred tortoise was an exotic pet and released into the wild. Although these invasive turtles' native environment is similar to the Arizona desert, that does not mean they are not a serious threat to the ecosystem and native species. Scientists want to send out a reminder on how important it is to not release exotic pet species into the wild. Click here to read more.

Delayed Legacy

Research warns that the full impact of an invasive species may take decades after its initial introduction to an area. Scientists also suggest that future invaders have already been sown, which makes them more difficult to control. The threat from invasives is considered to be one of the main factors of biodiversity loss, habitat loss and fragmentation. Click here to read more.

EDRR Alert for Leatherleaf viburnum (Viburnum rhytidophyllum)

Leatherleaf viburnum, Viburnum rhytidophyllum, has been found naturalized in Indianapolis parks. It was first spotted last year at a park in the southeast corner of the county, where it is in the landscaping, and this year at parks in the south-central and northwest section of the county. It has probably naturalized in other places also. This is a popular landscaping shrub in Indiana. Is anyone else seeing this shrub spreading to natural areas in Indiana or the surrounding states? If so please report sighting to MIPN or EDDMapS.

Feral Swine is New Invasive Species in Michigan

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment signed an order to make feral swine and wild boar an invasive species starting July 11, 2011. These two species pose a great threat on the state's ecosystem, agriculture, wildlife, humans and native species. The feral swines that are in Michigan escaped from hunting or breeding facilities. Since the effective date is not until next summer, this gives legislature time to provide regulations for hunting and breeding facilities. However, if the legislature is not passed to regulate these facilities the invasive species order will go into effect which will make it illegal to possess wild boar in Michigan. Click here to read more.