CD’s and Invasive Species

[Mark Bostrom]

Montana’s CD’s, particularly those in Eastern Montana, have recently increased their participation in Invasive Species efforts. This goes beyond the relatively common noxious weed programs to include running Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Inspection Stations, terrestrial invasive species for feral hogs, and incest programs such as emerald Ash Borer. Are other state’s CD’s participating in these types of efforts, often in conjunction with Fish and Game agencies or departments of Livestock?

[Lacey Cochart]

At the Wisconsin Department of Agricultur, Trade and Consumer Protection our Bureau of Plant Industry works closely with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources on invasive species issues, inlcuding many of those listed. If you would like more information, we can connect you with the managers of these programs.

[Brian Farkas]

In West Virginia we are embarking on a pilot program to address invasive/noxious weeds. We are working with WVU Extension to develop the pilot in 5 of the state’s 14 conservation district. The goal is to address invasive plants as well as noxious weeds that are not on a list but have become detrimental to pasture lands.

[Jack Knorek]

The majority of Michigan Conservation Districts are involved in the identification, management and/or control of terrestrial and aquatic invasive species. Organized into regional groups known as Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs), Conservation Districts play leadership and supportive roles in the early detection of and rapid response to invasive species, including (but not limited to) Black and Pale Swallow-wort, Garlic mustard, Japanese Knotweed, Kudzu, Oriental Bittersweet, Giant Hogweed, Spotted Knapweed, European Frog-bit, Phragmites, Rusty Crayfish, Red Swamp Crayfish, Oak Wilt, Hemlock Woody Adelgid, and Feral Swine.

[Shana Joy]

Many conservation districts in Washington are involved in invasive species identification, control or eradication efforts. Pierce CD has a long-standing and quite successful Japanese knotweed program and other nearby districts are engaged in this as well. Invasive blackberry is prevalent in many parts of Western WA and CDs are on the front lines of restoring riparian areas that have become overtaken with it. Partnering closely with WSU Extension and Cooperative Weed Management Areas (CWMA’s) as well as county weed districts to leverage resources and capacity. The focus has been mostly on noxious and invasive weeds rather than insect or animal invasive species at this point, at least to my knowledge. Happy to share more information or connect directly to individual CDs with experience here.

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