An "invasive species" is defined as
a species that is:
1) non-native (or alien) to the
ecosystem under consideration and
2) whose introduction causes or is
likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. (Executive Order 13112).
Invasive species can cause significant changes to ecosystems by seriously degrading natural communities
and ultimately reducing biodiversity. These species have the ability to invade natural systems and have the capacity
to dominate and displace native species. According to a 1996
report by the Nature Conservancy, invasive species have contributed to the population decline of 42 percent of threatened
and endangered species in the U.S. Many also pose threats to agricultural areas, urban parks, yards, and roadsides.
While there are an estimated 4,000 exotic plant and animal species in the U.S., only a small percentage
are invasive and cause problems--just 79 non-native plant and animal species have already cost the U.S. economy $79 billion.
Recognizing
invasive species and understanding the problems they cause are critical to minimizing the problems. Wildlife and Wetlands
Solutions makes preserving the native plants that exist in natural systems a priority. When weeds invade natural remnants,
they should be controlled as quickly as possible. We will provide a framework
for controlling the spread of invasive plant species and restoring healthy native plant communities.
Wildlife
and Wetlands Solutions staff of trained specialists is skilled in all aspects of invasive species and noxious plant control.
Our staff includes certified herbicide applicators capable of land based or aerial (helicopter) applications. Control
work can be performed in aquatic or terrestrial environments, large or small scale, and may require a combination of techniques:
herbicide application (aerial or ground treatments), mechanical removal, prescribed burning, and biological control methods. In all cases, our intent is to minimize the impacts on the environment
while successfully removing invasive species.
