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Choose two to three species from the list below that are a problem in your area. Explain when and why the species were originally introduced or how they came to your area. Discuss where you have located the species in your area and explain the impacts they have made (positive and/or negative). Are these species impacting the ecosystem? Are these species impacting community structure or interspecific competition? How have they affected other natural resources (Soil? Wildlife? Aquatics/water quality? Forest/herbaceous plant resources?) Are introduced species interacting with one another? Present your plan to control or manage the species and any plans for habitat restoration. Include clearly stated and feasible management goals, what actions would be required to control or eradicate the species, and how much would implementation of your plan cost? Consider what social factors and laws might come into play? Include a timeline in your plan.
Plants and trees
Fish/aquatic life
Mammals and birds
Insects
2002 Envirothon www.dcr.state.va.us/dnh/invinfo.htm - DCR's Natural Heritage Program website and publications and factsheets (you can download these from website). Especially "Invasive alien plant species in Virginia" and individual plant fact sheets may be helpful.
Project Learning Tree, The Changing Forest: Forest Ecology "Science behind the News" section of Virginia Water Central, #18, Aug.-Sept. 2001, Virginia Water Resources Research Center. http://www.vwrrc.vt.edu/pdf/FinalAug01.pdf "Help available for Phragmites control," Westmoreland News, Montross, Va., Aug. 9, 2001. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service PLANTS Database. http://plants.usda.gov. The Nature Conservancy Wildland Invasive Plant Management Program. http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu/. Plant Conservation Alliance - Alien Plants Working Group. http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/. Invasive Species Council. http://www.invasivespecies.gov/index.shtml. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. http://www.aphis.usda.gov/oa/invasive/invasive.html.
2002 Environmental Issue: Ecosystems are dynamic, characterized natural fluctuations in population, immigration and emigration of organisms, extinction and evolution of a species. While change is a constant, rapid change can make a system more fragile and less resilient. One human activity that can place strains on an ecosystem is the introduction of new species. Many ecologists believe that the spread of introduced or exotic species is one of the most serious, yet least appreciated threats to biodiversity. Across North America, bacteria, plants, insects or other member of the animal kingdom have been purposely or inadvertently transplanted (often, but not always, by humans) to an area where they have not previously been living. "Biodiversity" is a key idea as we consider the effects of introduced species. The term refers to the variety of all living things. Scientists measure biodiversity in several ways: the numbers of species, the genetic differences among living things, the variety of natural communities and ecosystems in which living things occur, and the ecological processes that sustain living things and keep them ever changing and adapting. As a general rule, the more biodiverse and ecosystem is, the healthier it is. Less diverse ecosystems are more fragile and less resilient in the face of threats like the introduction of new species. Humans intentionally introduce species to new regions in a number of ways and for a variety of reasons. Certain wildlife species were introduced to provide for recreational fishing and hunting opportunities. Others were introduced as predators to control species that people perceived as causing a human or biological problem. Some plants were introduced for their food value or because their vigorous growth habits assisted in controlling soil erosion and windbreaks. On this continent, some organisms were introduced because people wanted a physical reminder of the homes they left. In some cases, species have been re-introduced into areas where they were historically present in the ecosystem but for a variety of reasons were extirpated. Examples include the bald eagle, beaver, and peregrine falcon, and more recently, wolves in Yellowstone National Park. Some introductions were accidental. The Norway rat is a famous example of an Old World stowaway on ships bound for America. Gypsy moths escaped from research laboratories. The chestnut blight fungus, and now the Asian longhorn beetle, was transported on plant material shipped from another continent. Some scientists postulate that some species of birds have moved from one region to another, due to the presence of backyard bird feeding stations. All these introductions affected the biodiversity of the region in which they occurred. In some cases, the introduction of a species has resulted in profound effects on a North American ecosystem. This often happens when the introduced organisms leave behind the factors limiting their effects in their native areas-factors such as immunities, diseases and natural predators, or when they possess advantages in new territories that may crowd out or even kill native organisms that fill important roles in the ecosystem. Such species are termed "invasive" and "aggressive" because their presence disrupts the native processes, populations and variety of species that have been operating with certain checks and balances creating a sustainable system. One example of an invasive species first noticed in the Great Lakes region, and now traveling throughout other connecting water systems by way of boats, is the zebra mussel“it grows so prolifically that it changes the habitat and native mollusks are literally crowded out. This bio-invasive "hitchhiker" has caused problems for people and ecosystems, carpeting swimming beaches with millions of small mussels, and clogging water intake pipes of electrical utilities. In some cases, they have shut down power plants. In other cases, it appears that the introduction of new species has little or no negative effect on the environment in which they were introduced, as far as humans are concerned. The European honeybee is one of the most valuable introduced species in North America upon which many of our crops and flowers are dependent. The nightcrawler was an unintentional but apparently harmless introduction. In urban areas, introduced plants and trees are sometimes the best adapted for life in compacted soils and lower air quality while "native" species would suffer and die. Food crops also offer many examples of benign introductions from the human perspective. One debate expected intensify in the near future is over the environmental effects of genetically modified "bio-engineered" organisms. Historically, there have been a variety of efforts to control "invasive" species, in some cases by introducing predator species. In other cases, species eradication methods have been used on a site-by-site basis. Most efforts have met with mixed success at best, and in some cases have caused worse problems for the area's biodiversity. What is our responsibility with regard to introduced species, from ecological and natural resource stewardship perspectives? When do we need to intervene, and when can we let the situation take its own course? What management strategies can successfully protect the ecosystem? What precautions should we take? How do we set priorities on managing introduced species? Who sets these priorities and how are different public interests involved in decisions what costs - of taking action or not taking action - are acceptable? These are all questions to be considered while learning about this topic. The 2002 Envirothon current issue background resources will offer case studies of introduced species from across the continent to serve as a springboard for Envirothon teams as they begin their exploration of this topic and how it relates to their own community, state, province or country. Consideration of this topic must begin with a scientific understanding of what we know and do not know about the ecological characteristics and potential effects of the individual species in question. The topic also provides an opportunity to learn about the differing attitudes and points of view towards introduced species and their management. There will be many opportunities to tie this topic to natural resource management questions in forestry, wildlife, soils, and aquatic ecosystems.
2002 Environmental Issue:
Definitions: An understanding of biodiversity rests on several important definitions and concepts in ecology and evolution. In some cases, you may find some of the terms below are used in different and overlapping ways. Biodiversity - This is a relatively "new" term, coined by E. O. Wilson about a decade ago. In general, biodiversity refers to the variety of living things, their connections to each other and to the physical environment. It includes the variety of ecological and evolutionary processes that sustain living things and keep them ever changing and adapting. The term biodiversity has also provided a shorthand expression for policy makers and environmental advocates to impress upon different public audiences the nature of ecological systems and the value of protecting them. Scientists have found that for the term "biodiversity" to be useful in research it needs to be defined more precisely. Scientific studies have focused on four "levels" of biodiversity:
Natural resource managers have the difficult task of applying scientific research on biodiversity - in light of particular public interests and values, to particular communities and landscapes. Species - A species is a group of organisms - plant, animal, or microbe - of a single kind. Organisms are presumed to be of the same species if they are capable of breeding and producing fertile offspring. Introduced species- Species that have been introduced into community by people for some ornamental, agricultural or other purposes and are now reproducing. Exotic or Alien species are also terms used in this manner. Some introductions are purposeful, others accidental. For purposes of Envirothon, teams can consider anything from microbes to mammals, insects, birds, mammals, plants, trees, fungi and any living organism. Re--introduced species-- In some parts of the continent, humans have played a major role in re-introducing species to places where the species had historically lived, but for a variety of reasons, became extirpated. Examples of re-introductions include elk, peregrine falcon, bald eagle, beaver, wild turkey, and wolves. For purposes of the Envirothon, re-introduced species are other examples which teams may wish to explore in their own community. Native species - Species that naturally occur in a community as a result of natural processes of dispersal and range expansion. Human activity is often not presumed to be a factor. On this continent, the term is generally (and perhaps arbitrarily) used to refer to those species that were present in a given community before European contact. Exotic/Alien species --- These terms are used interchangeably and refer to species that are not native to a particular community. Invasive species - These are species that can quickly spread and compete with native species for the essential resources necessary for survival and reproduction. These species are the second most important threat-after habitat loss- to biodiversity. Some invasives are native to a community and become invasive due to human activities or other natural changes. Some invasives are exotics/aliens that arrive by natural dispersal or are introduced by people. Some alien/exotic species are introduced without appearing invasive. Tulips are such an example. Community - A group of organisms of different species--plant, microbe and animal--each occupying a certain position or ecological niche, inhabiting a common environment and interacting with one another; all the plants and animals in a common environment that are bound together by food chains and other interrelations. Scientists will tell you it is never easy to draw boundaries where one community ends and another begins. Ecological Niche - Role or "job" played by an organism in a biological community. An organism's niche is determined also by location as well as preferences and requirements for food, shelter, reproduction and other behaviors as well as the timing of activities. Adaptation-- An ecological or evolutionary change in structure or function that produces a better adjustment of an organism or species to its environment and thus enhances its ability to survive and reproduce.
Objectives:
A Potential Learning Approach to the Current Environmental Issue--2002 Given that there has been a greater emphasis on community based learning in the Envirothon, the Massachusetts Education Sub-Committee would like to offer a possible learning approach that allows Envirothon teams to explore the Current Environmental Issue in the context of their own schoolyard, community, county or region. This is meant to provide Team Advisors/Teachers and Envirothon Committees with one way to approach learning about this topic. We are offering this ONLY as an educational suggestion. There are many ways to approach this topic. It is our hope that team advisors will be inspired to "learn locally, and think globally" through this approach! Later in the fall, the Massachusetts State Envirothon Committee plans to post the approach they are using for this topic. We hope you find these ideas useful in your preparations! Learn about Introduced Species in your schoolyard or community by talking to local botanists, wildlife biologists, foresters, and other conservation minded people or organizations. Landscapers, horticulturalists and pest control agents are also useful sources of information. Compare examples of introduced species in your community by answering some of the following questions:
Web Resources/Case Studies http://www.gcrio.org/CONSEQUENCES/vol2no2/article2.html An article providing information on ecological and economic impacts on introduced species. Focus on the US. http://www.cws-scf.ec.gc.ca/habitat/inv/11_e.html Excellent background reading on invasive plants, historical perspectives, management options etc. -- from Environment Canada. http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/bkgd.htm#problem -- This is a page which provides excellent background on the problem of invasive plants, their effects and possible managment options. The home page is the Plant Alliance, an organization of agencies and other entities working on invasive plants in the US. Some of the rest of the site has got some good background information as well, but this one page is relevant. Legal Aspects to Introduced Species http://www.aphis.usda.gov/oa/pubs/taking.html "Why are you taking my...?" Information on restrictions bringing in animal and plant products to the US with references to federal laws--from the US Dept of Agriculture. An easy read targeted to the person travelling back to the US from another country. http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/publications/declare.shtml Information on restrictions bringing in animal and plant products to Canada targeted at travellers. There are some other interesting links from here you might want to explore-from Environment Canada http://www.cws-scf.ec.gc.ca/habitat/inv/index_e.html -- Scroll to Part 2 for information on legislation regarding the Weeds/Seeds Acts Case Study Web Resources There are many examples of introduced species in North America. We want to provide all teams with case study material or examples of introduced species to offer a well rounded perspective on the complexity of this issue and provide opportunities for higher levels of learning. We have purposely drawn from different types of species within the realm of living organisms and included some information on re-introduced species as well. Some of the examples focus on a particular region or community, but you will find links providing larger geographic perspective on the species mentioned. These case studies are the other part of your primary study focus in tune with the Learning Goals & Objectives. Look upon these case studies as a catalyst in further exploration of this topic, perhaps even in your own community! Mammals
Domestic cats
Nutria
River Otter Birds
European Starling
House Sparrow Plants
Purple Loosestrife
Leafy Spurge
Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) Aquatic Invertebrates
Zebra Mussel Fish
Grass carp Insects
Fire Ants
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
Gypsy moth Crustacean
Green crab Fungus Dutch Elm Disease http://www.gov.edmonton.ab.ca/comm_services/parkland_services/pest_management/dutch_elm_disease.html http://www.fs.fed.us/na/morgantown/fhp/palerts/ded/elm.htm http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/naturalresources/components/3765a.html These 3 sites provide solid information on the spread of Dutch Elm disease--The first site is from Canada, in Alberta, where there are efforts to prevent this continent wide disease from gaining a foothold. The second site is more factual, relating to the US. Experience. The 3rd site is a case history of Minnesota's experience with this disease. Here are a number of websites from which teams can glean information on Introduced Species and their Effects on Biodiversity especially as it relates to the teams' community, state/province or country. This Appendix is designed to provide Teams and Organizing Committees further background information on the topic. The Web Resources/Case Studies web pages are the study focus of the 2002 topic. Additional Resources General Background Info on Introduced and Invasive Species Excellent general background material to assist you in teaching your students about this topic. Some sites include case histories, others provide info on ecological or economic impacts of introduced species http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu/links.html This site is a multi-purpose area with links about invasive species both in the US and beyond. Information on management options are also included. Useful for general information on invasive species. http://invasives.fws.gov -- Multi-purpose site of the US Fish & Wildlife Service. Mostly concentrates on plants, with many useful links to restoration, control and other studies on the economic effects. http://www.cws-scf.ec.gc.ca/habitat/inv/11_e.html -- Here's some excellent background reading on invasive plants, historical perspectives, management options etc from Environment Canada. http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien --A site with lots of information on alien plant species. Put together by the Plant Conservation Alliance, a collaborative group of organizations, agencies, non-profits etc. http://www.usgs.gov/invasive_species/plw/index.html --Another site with a variety of case histories of species primarily found in the U.S. http://esa.sdsc.edu/invas3.htm --From the Ecological Society of America http://www.gcrio.org/CONSEQUENCES/vol2no2/article2.html -- An article providing information on ecological and economic impacts on introduced species. Focuses on the US. Laws and regulations These are some websites regarding laws and restrictions on introduced species. http://www.cws-scf.ec.gc.ca/habitat/inv/index_e.html --Where to find an excellent index on invasive plants and their control in Canada and legislation regarding this issue. http://www.aphis.usda.gov/oa/pubs/taking.html -- "Why are you taking my...?" Information on restrictions bringing in animal and plant products to the US with references to federal laws--from the US Dept of Agriculture http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/publications/canada/canadae.shtml Information on restrictions bringing in animal and plant products to Canada. Additional links for travelers may be found here as well. -- from Environment Canada http://www.aphis.usda.gov/oa/pubs/canada.html -- Tips for travelers from Canada bringing in plants and other agricultural products from US Dept of Agriculture http://refuges.southeast.fws.gov/le/lefacts.html --US Fish & Wildlife Service information on laws governing the illegal trade of wildlife (alive or dead) both from other countries and crossing state lines. Explains why some species are considered banned from the US and where various USFWS offices are located that are involved with importation of wildlife. Also provides brief information on other federal agencies involved with importation of plants, animals and other species http://www.cws-scf.ec.gc.ca/habitat/inv/index_e.html -- This is an index-scroll down to PART 2 for info on weed/seed acts legislation from Environment Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service. State/Federal Agencies If you want to explore what introduced species issues are in your community, check with your own state or provincial agencies and the following departments/ministries for information regarding laws and regulations on introduced species as well as present or past involvement with introductions of species:
soils - forestry - aquatics - wildlife |
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