(Iowa Capital Dispatch) Summertime recreation in Iowa’s outdoor landscape can be a catalyst for spreading invasive species, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
The department said certain precautions, like scrubbing down hiking boots, keeping firewood in the county where it was purchased and being able to identify plant species can help to stop the spread of invasive forest species.
“Much of the spread of invasive species comes from people simply enjoying nature,” DNR said in a news release.
Summertime recreation in Iowa’s outdoor landscape can be a catalyst for spreading invasive species, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
The department said certain precautions, like scrubbing down hiking boots, keeping firewood in the county where it was purchased and being able to identify plant species can help to stop the spread of invasive forest species.
“Much of the spread of invasive species comes from people simply enjoying nature,” DNR said in a news release.
Invasive species are plants and animals that are not native to a region and cause environmental or economic harm. Sometimes these species can be directly harmful, like the emerald ash borer whose larvae will feed on the inner bark of ash trees and eventually cause the tree to die. Other invasive species, like garlic mustard or bush honeysuckle, will outcompete native plants and thus disrupt forest ecosystems.
Invasive species are usually spread unintentionally by humans moving from one area to another, which is why DNR encourages Iowans to be proactive in protecting forest ecosystems.
Many invasive species, like the emerald ash borer, sirex woodwasp, Asian long-horned beetle and a fungus causing oak wilt, can live on firewood. DNR encourages Iowans to purchase firewood near campsites and to burn all of their firewood at a campsite to avoid transporting it to a new location.
According to a report from DNR, the continued spread of these pests will lead to habitat loss as the trees die and billions of dollars in lost tree-derived community benefits, like energy savings, property value and storm water retention.
Seeds from invasive plants can also be transported on hiking boots and shoes. DNR said Iowans can wipe down their boots before leaving an area to reduce this risk.
The spongy moth is another common invasive species hitchhiker.
Spongy moth caterpillars eat the leaves of hardwood trees and can defoliate the trees during their growth season. Several years of intense feeding depletes nutrients in the tree and causes its health to decline. DNR estimates this critter causes an annual loss of $22 million for forest landowners and wood products businesses.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health has tracked the spread of spongy month through the country, and designates certain counties as spongy moth quarantine areas. APHIS requires all outdoor items, such as furniture, lawn equipment and toys, to be inspected for spongy moth egg masses before moving from a spongy moth quarantine zone.
While Iowa does not currently have any federally designated spongy moth quarantine zones, the moth has been recorded in eastern and urban areas of the state. DNR recommends inspecting outdoor equipment for the egg masses before traveling.
Know what you grow
DNR said Iowans can also help to stop the spread of forest invasive species by verifying the plants they are putting in their yards or gardens are noninvasive.
DNR maintains a list of forest invasive species, some of which, like queen Anne’s lace, Japanese barberry or a winged burning bush, might otherwise seem like attractive additions to a landscape.
The guide links to a USDA profile for each species with photos and information to help Iowans identify their backyard flora. Additionally, Iowans can contact their district foresters, for more information and assistance with forest conservation practices.
Photo: Iowans can help prevent the spread of invasive species like garlic mustard, pictured here. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch)
